A local community living by an ancient woodland that has been plagued by thousands of tonnes of dumped illegal waste is calling for the Environment Agency (EA) to resolve the issue and immediately secure the funding to clear up the mess.
Hoad’s Wood is a beauty spot in Ashford, Kent, designated a site of special scientific interest, but is now described as an “environmental disaster”.
The Rescue Hoad’s Wood campaign group said local people were reporting up to 20 to 30 trucks dumping illegal waste a day to authorities from July 2023, and earlier cases of illegal activity were reported in 2020.
They added surveys now estimate 27,000 tonnes of processed waste needs to be cleared with an estimated budget of £10 million including taxes and contingencies to cover the costs based on a quote from a local contractor.
Campaigners have said the bluebell woodland has turned into a “desolate wasteland” buried under landfill waste, which in some areas is 25-foot-deep, despite continuous reporting of fly-tipping to the authorities.
Hoad’s Wood should be respected, not tarnished by unscrupulous actions
Following several public meetings since the EA closed the woodland, the campaigner said residents have given the government body a deadline of 17th May to come up with a budget to contract the work – which could take six months to complete.
Meanwhile, residents fear toxic liquid from the site could end up in the river, and also report the “nasty” rotting eggs smell of toxic gas hydrogen sulphide coming from the waste which is harmful to wildlife and the wider community.
A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council, which is investigating the reports of odour nuisance, said to date it has been “unable to establish that the issues have crossed the threshold of a statutory nuisance”.
Councillor Barker said ‘GCwSPC is appalled by this shocking sight. It is disheartening that some individuals find it acceptable to mistreat this cherished land. The implications are morally reprehensible, posing a substantial cost to the community and causing profound damage to flora and fauna with lasting effects.”
The Rescue Hoad’s Wood campaign has also received backing from a number of charities including Kent Wildlife Trust, South East River Trust, the Woodland Trust and the likes of TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham.
Sharing a Rescue Hoad’s Wood video of the waste on X, Mr Packham responded “Look at this! It’s an ancient woodland & SSSI. Where is the accountability, where is the law, where is the respect & where is the understanding that we are now fighting tooth & nail for nature & everything matters.”
“We continue to liaise with the relevant agencies, such as Natural England and the Environment Agency, with reference to plans for addressing the issues on site, and their plans for further monitoring.”
An EA spokesperson said it is aware of the impact fly-tipping has on communities and is determined to “keep one step ahead” of the criminals.
They added “That’s why we are pushing forward with our investigations against those suspected of illegal tipping activities of commercial waste at Hoads Wood – with support from Natural England, Forestry Commission, Kent County Council and Kent Police Rural Task Force.”
