STORY
The Environment Agency has completed the removal of 39,500 tonnes of illegally dumped commercial waste from Hoad’s Wood in Kent. More than 50 specialist workers took part in the operation at the ancient woodland, where waste had been piled as high as 15 feet in some places.
Hoad’s Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest containing rare plants and wildlife. Access will remain restricted while the damaged land is allowed to recover, with the Environment Agency now working alongside Kent Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime to identify those responsible. Three men have been arrested as part of the continuing investigation.
The clearance forms part of a wider Government campaign against organised waste crime, which also includes work at illegal sites in Wigan and Bradford. Ministers have announced greater use of drones, stronger confiscation powers and plans to increase some fines for illegal waste activity from £300 to as much as £5,000.