Forum topic: Emergency action to save historic tree

has begun to try to secure the future of the 800-year-old Minchenden Oak, which forms the centrepiece of the Minchenden Oak Garden in Waterfall Road, Southgate.

The Minchenden Oak dates from the time of the ancient Forest of Middlesex and is one of the oldest in Greater London. In the 19th Century it was reported to be the largest oak in the UK. However, it has begun to subside recently and because of its size and proximity to homes, Enfield Council commissioned independent tree experts to examine the condition of the tree and make recommendations on how to address the problem.

The Minchenden Oak as it looked in 2008Work In-depth analysis of the tree has revealed that, despite earlier attempts to halt the spread of internal decay, the decay has continued to spread.

To deal with the issue, specialist tree surgeons will install slow release chemicals to encourage root development and use a crane to remove a number of the heavier limbs in order to prevent the tree, which is 18 metres tall. from falling or blowing over.

The work to remove branches is scheduled for today (12th November). The Friends of the Minchendon Oak Garden have arranged for the salvaged timbers to be transported to a sawmill in Welwyn, where they will be prepared ready for reuse in projects within the Garden.

Various improvements to the Garden are being carried out by the Friends of Minchenden Oak Garden using funds from the Enfield Residents Priority Fund. For more information about the Friends, see their website.