PA mediaThe reduction of the old oak in northern London is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.
The remains of the oak, estimated to be up to 500 years, were discovered by council workers last week at Whitewebs Park, Enfield. Now an order of preservation of emergency trees has been imposed at the base of his stump.
The tree, with a circumference of 6.1m (20 feet), was a significant pedunulate oak at the national level of Woodland Trust’s old trees.
The resident of Enfield and member of the Guardian group of Whitewebbs, Benny Hawksbee, said that “the tree belonged to Enfield and our national heritage, I am devastated.”
Trust WoodlandThe leader of the Enfield Council, Ergin Erbil, said they criticize the matter as criminal damage and had denounced him to the police.
He added: “Now we have placed legal protection (order of preservation of trees) in the tree and we are looking for ways to help you grow again.
“We will work closely with the police while their investigation on this matter continues.”
Jon Stokes, director of trees, science and research in the Tree Council, said that the felling of such a “magnificent” tree was shocking.
He added: “Ancient oaks can turn up to 1,000 years and are as precious as our majestic houses and castles.
“The green inheritance of our nation must be valued and protected and we will do everything possible to achieve this.”
PA mediaWoodland Trust campaign manager Adam Cormack said the loss of the tree was “devastating.”
He said: “We still do not know who did this or why and urge anyone to present information and denounce it to the police.
“This depression is a reminder for all of us that not all old trees are in a safe place.
“It is very unusual to see the felling of an oak of this size and age. State legally protected for heritage trees such as Whitewebbs oak is excessively.”
Legends Living of The Trust, which aims to ensure that state for heritage trees, and that attracted more than 100,000 signatures, He was delivered to Downing Street in November.
The theme of the preservation of the trees stood out after the destruction of the sicomorous gap tree in September 2023.
There was outrage when the tree, which stood on a dip next to Hadrian’s wall in Northumberland, was cut.
Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both of Cumbria, have been accused of causing criminal damage in more than 600,000.
They will appear before a jury in a trial as of April 28 in Newcastle Crown Court.
