Ancient Oak Shows Signs of Life After Controversial Chain Saw Attack

A 500-year-old oak tree is fighting for survival after contractors for restaurant chain Toby Carvery illegally cut off its branches last April, sparking widespread public outrage. Now environmental experts are calling on the company to fund emergency “life support” measures that could save this ancient giant.

The massive oak, located at the edge of a Toby Carvery parking lot in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, has surprised experts by showing promising signs of regrowth from its trunk despite the severe damage. Tree specialists believe installing sprinkler systems and other intensive care measures could help the centuries-old tree recover from the unauthorized cutting that devastated its canopy.

The incident, which was reported to police, represents more than just property damage—it’s the potential loss of a living piece of history that has stood since before Shakespeare’s time. Ancient oaks like this one are ecological treasures, supporting hundreds of species of insects, birds, and other wildlife while serving as carbon storage powerhouses.

Environmental advocates argue that Toby Carvery, owned by Mitchells & Butlers, has a moral and potentially legal obligation to fund the tree’s recovery efforts. The cost of life support measures would likely be minimal compared to the ecological and historical value of preserving this irreplaceable natural monument. Whether the company will step up to save what its contractors nearly destroyed remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking for this remarkable survivor.