Clean-up begins of illegal waste in Kent woodland

An operation has begun to clear thousands of tonnes of illegally dumped waste from a Kent woodland.

The clean-up, led by the Environment Agency (EA), will see more than 30,000 tonnes of household and construction waste removed from Hoads Wood near Ashford and taken to a landfill facility in Essex.

Lorries are starting to transport the first batches of waste away from the ancient woodland site, which was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare plants and wildlife.

The EA said criminal gangs dumped the waste over a period of six months in 2023.

Local residents told the BBC at the time that lorries were queueing up daily to tip their loads.

The waste was dumped in an area of the wood measuring around 1.5 acres. In some places it is piled up to 4m (13.1ft) deep.

More than 50 workers have been brought in to manage the removal and ensure the waste is disposed of safely. They have spent the past six months preparing for the clearance to begin.

The operation, carried out by specialist firm Acumen Waste Services Ltd, is expected to take over a year to complete, with an estimated 2,000 lorry loads required to clear the site.

Emma Viner, EA's enforcement and investigations manager, said the scale of the damage had left a lasting impact on the local community.

She said: "The damage caused by these shameless criminals rocked the community of Ashford and robbed residents of an important habitat which holds a special place in their hearts.

"Our efforts are now focused on removing all the waste and bringing those behind this heinous crime to justice."

In January 2024, EA officers obtained a magistrates' court order to close the entrance to the site.

Campaigners, including local residents, Kent Wildlife Trust and the countryside charity CPRE Kent, fought for the clearance.

In May 2024, former Conservative environment secretary Peter Barclay ordered the EA to clear the site.

Waste Minister Mary Creagh praised the clean-up effort and reiterated the government's commitment to tackling waste crime.

"Illegal dumping is a serious criminal offence which blights communities and damages our natural environment," she said.

"The community in Ashford shouldn't have to put up with the disgusting actions of these criminal gangs."

She added that the government has announced new measures aimed at seizing and crushing vehicles used in waste crime.

Kent Police's Rural Task Force, which has been supporting the EA, said waste dumping was often linked to wider criminal activity.

Sgt Darren Walshaw said: "It is great that work has now begun to restore Hoads Wood to its former beauty.

"We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to send a clear message that fly-tippers are not welcome in Kent."

Local conservation groups also welcomed the development.

Ian Rickards, area manager at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: "Restoring this ancient woodland to its former state will be a mammoth undertaking, but we are hopeful that today is a step in the right direction."

The EA confirmed it would continue monitoring air and water quality at the site as the waste is removed.

The operation is being carried out with support from Natural England, the Forestry Commission and Ashford Borough Council.

Residents are being urged to ensure they only use registered waste carriers to prevent further criminal dumping.

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