Organised criminals are suspected of unleashing 30,000 tonnes of garbage on a Kent beauty spot where a clean-up should soon begin.
The Environment Agency today revealed crooks “took advantage” of the public by posing as legitimate waste collectors, then dumped it at Hoad’s Wood near Great Chart, Ashford.
KentOnline revealed in January how rubbish was piled 12ft high across four acres in an illegal makeshift tip.
The EA says a criminal investigation continues in order to bring those responsible to justice.
A spokesperson said: “A criminal investigation continues in order to bring those who dumped an estimated 30,000 tonnes of waste at Hoads Wood before the courts.
“This is organised crime.
“Criminals like these take advantage of the public, who believe them to be removing their waste legitimately.
“They shamelessly dump it at beauty spots like Hoads Wood, spoiling the countryside, making it someone else’s problem to clear up – and make money from it.
“We will make sure those responsible will answer for their actions.”
The agency has since shut the site where disposal is expected to cost millions.
Meanwhile, the tender has gone out for contractors to clean the woodland and the Kent Wildlife Trust says work may start in late October.
A spokesperson said: “After receiving contact from the Rescue Hoad’s Wood campaign group, we began working together to draw attention to the plight of the woodland, and asking those in power to clear the site and ensure a full investigation is conducted as to how it came to pass.
“With our conservation charity colleagues, we wrote to the then Secretary of State Steve Barclay to ask for the clean-up to begin and an investigation to take place.
“The day before the General Election, we were delighted when he replied ordering the EA to begin organising the clean-up.
“The EA must fund the cost of the clean-up through their own funds, possibly from flood defence work.
“The tender has gone out for contractors to clean the woodland, and we are told this may start in late October. Wildlife, biodiversity and community engagement forms part of this tender process so there is hope for this wonderful wild space in the future.”
The wood, which has been a favourite fly-tipping spot for years has become a hot campaign top by wildlife presenter Chris Packham to see it cleaned up.
It was also where the body of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, murdered by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, from Deal, was found in 2021.
She was discovered on a plot owned by Couzens.
Whilst the EA would not confirm that work would start in October, it stated “We expect clearance of waste from Hoads Wood to begin later this year”.
In January, a lorry with no number plates was caught on camera approaching the woodland.
According to those at TalkTV, who filmed the driver, the vehicle turned around after camera crews were spotted.
Moths and butterflies have been well documented in the wood, including two nationally rare species.
A variety of birds breed in the area, including nightingales, woodcocks, nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and several kinds of tits and warblers.
