6 days Ago By Megan Howe
Police have been called to investigate the “criminal” felling of a 300-year-old oak tree in Enfield , amidst uproar from local residents and conservationists. It comes after reports were made to Enfield Council on April 3 of “criminal damage,” after an ancient oak tree in Whitewebbs Wood was found to have been felled. Lawrence-Thor Stephen, of the London-based tree care company Thor’s Trees, condemned the cutting down of this “irreplaceable” and “nationally significant” Pedunculate oak tree.
“I can't believe this has happened. This is a loss of a National Treasure”, he said. Experts carried out a full investigation of the site to assess the damage and a Tree Preservation Order has been placed on the tree to protect it from any further damage.
Enfield Council released a statement today to confirm they would be working closely with police as they investigate the matter. A statement from the leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Ebil reads: “Enfield Council cares deeply about protecting trees and green spaces in the borough. “We were recently made aware of the felling of an ancient oak tree in Whitewebbs Wood, which occurred on 3 April.
“The Council was not informed of this incident until last week. Our teams immediately carried out a full site inspection to assess the damage after receiving reports of the damage done to the tree. “We are treating the matter as criminal damage and have reported it to the police.
We have now placed a legal protection (Tree Preservation Order) on the tree and are looking at ways to help it grow back. “We will work closely with the police as they continue their investigation into this matter.” Three councillors for the Whitewebbs Ward, where the felling took place, said in a join statement: “This is a deeply concerning development.
The tree that was felled is of real significance and its loss is enormously distressing. “We need to understand why such a precious oak was left unprotected, why there was no Tree Protection Order and how this criminal damage will be pursued and the perpetrators brought to justice. “Crucially, the Council also needs to make clear how it will ensure that this is never allowed to happen again.
This is another reminder of how precious the ancient woodland in Whitewebbs is and why it should be protected from unnecessary development.” This story is being updated..
