Enfield Council has settled its legal case with Toby Carvery owners, Mitchells & Butlers, a year since an illegal oak felling caused outrage.

The 500-year old tree was partially cut down in Enfield last April by M&B, who said the tree was supposedly dying and at risk to be public.

The Whitewebbs oak tree was later found to be alive by the Forestry Commission, while Enfield Council's Tim Leaver described the felling as a "reckless act".

In a joint statement, M&B and the council said "the parties now consider this matter closed," since the company has agreed to contribute to the cost of treating the tree and planting 1,000 more as a contribution to the council's Enfield Chase Landscape Restoration scheme.

Ed Payne, senior conservation advisor for the Woodland Trust, comments on the latest update:

"There is nothing that can compensate for the loss of an ancient tree. Planting young trees, while of value, can never replace an ecosystem and habitat that has been built over generations."

Payne also urges for more legal protections for ancient and veteran trees, similar to that of historic buildings.

M&B has apologised for the felling, saying: "We recognise that the felling of a well-loved veteran tree within the grounds of the Toby Carvery, Whitewebbs has upset many local people, and we fully understand the strength of feeling this has caused."

Photo credit: Mitchells & Butlers