Kent Woodland Faces Massive Environmental Disaster with ongoing Commercial Waste Dumping
Historic Hoads Wood near the picturesque village of Great Chart, Kent has transformed from a once peaceful wildlife haven into a wasteland…
Historic Hoads Wood: From wildlife haven to wasteland
Historic Hoads Wood near the picturesque village of Great Chart, Kent has transformed from a once peaceful wildlife haven into a wasteland, with tonnes of rubbish dumped across the privately owned 4-acre plot. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its diverse range of birds, insects and trees is now facing an alarming Environmental crisis.
Environment Agency leads investigation
The Environment Agency (EA) is spearheading an investigation into the mounting issue with heaps of commercial waste filling the ground and piles reaching over 12ft. This devastation is not only an eyesore but poses a severe threat to the delicate ecosystem within the woods with risk to animals eating toxins or disrupting their nesting sites. Insects need food sources and their natural pollinating abilities will be affected. The concern remains that the mountains of waste could contain harmful items such as chemicals or asbestos causing an added hindrance and expense to clearance of the site.
Community outrage and concerns
A concerned resident, who wishes to remain anonymous expressed shock at the extent of the damage, the resident emphasised the urgent need for accountability and public awareness regarding the distressing state of the woodland.
Surveillance and collaboration
Despite warning posters at the entrance, indicating surveillance and potential prosecution for fly-tipping, the area has become unrecognisable as a sanctuary for wildlife. The EA is collaborating with Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, Kent County Council and other agencies to investigate the alleged illegal dumping of commercial waste.
Private land ownership woes
The wooded area, encompassing a crucial habitat for the protected nightingale and other species, failed to sell at a recent auction. This is happening on private land therefore the current landowner will be responsible for the costs incurred to dispose of the waste correctly. This will run into many thousands of pounds considering the scale. Clive Emson, the auctioneer, confirmed the prevalence of fly-tipping on the site may have contributed to the lack of sale expressing uncertainty about the responsible parties and whether it will go to auction again soon.
Ongoing illegal dumping activities
Investigations have shown that the site remains active with lorries with number plates removed have been arriving late at night and early hours of the morning to dump their load. An Orange digger can be seen on the site used to move the waste around.
Parish council response and safety concerns
Cllr Yolanda Barker from Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council told me “The Council is shocked. This is a commercial enterprise. The crimes committed here are vast and inconsiderate. The vast heaps of waste including plastics will not decompose and pollution is clear to see. The implications are morally reprehensible, posing a substantial cost to the community and causing profound damage to flora and fauna with lasting effects. I also have concerns for the road outside as it is caked in thick mud making it dangerous for other road users especially if it gets icy or wet. For a country lane, this is well used.”
Call for action from local authorities
Cllr Peter Barker, Chair of the Environment Committee at Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council said “This has been happening for some time, Google Earth shows the land being cleared and how the usage has followed. It is so disappointing. Unfortunately, the Parish Council have no powers to act but we are seeking answers from the authorities that can.”
Public urged to report waste crime
An EA spokesperson urges the public to report any suspicions of waste crime to their 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
As this environmental crisis unfolds in Hoad’s Wood, the community awaits a resolution that will not only address the immediate clean-up but prevent future desecrations of this vital natural habitat.
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