BBC’s Chris Packham has slammed authorities for allowing fly-tipped commercial waste to pile up 12 feet high in ancient Hoad’s Wood.
Naturalist and presenter Packham, 62, took to social media to call on the Environment Agency and Natural England to ‘sort out’ the crisis at the former beauty spot.
Large piles of commercial waste including plastic and discarded soil have been dumped in Hoad’s Wood near Ashford, Kent, since January.
The Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has been the subject of intense campaigning, as locals pressure authorities to clear up the waste.
Now presenter Packham has called on officials to get the mess cleared up.
BBC ‘s Chris Packham (pictured) has slammed authorities for allowing fly-tipped commercial waste to pile up 12 feet high in ancient Hoad’s Wood
Large piles of commercial waste including plastic and discarded soil have been dumped in Hoad’s Wood near Ashford, Kent (pictured)
Piles of rubbish including plastic waste are seen dumped in the woods
He was replying to an appeal for him to support a campaign to save the historic green space before long-lasting damage is done.
Packham wrote on X: ‘Where is the accountability, where is the law, where is the respect and where is the understanding that we are now fighting tooth and nail for nature and everything matters?
‘C’mon Environment Agency and Natural England, let’s get this sorted.’
Piles of debris have been left at Hoad’s Wood near Ashford, Kent, since January.
The woodland contains a variety of species which are at risk from the waste – including a variety of birds, moths and butterflies.
The waste risks running off into the water around the nature – polluting food sources for both humans and animals.
Locals have set up a campaign to save the space which has surpassed its original target of 2,500 signatures.
The waste risks running off into the water around the nature – polluting food sources for both humans and animals
Packham has called on officials to get the mess in ancient Hoad’s Wood
A spokesperson for the Rescue Hoad’s Wood Campaign said: ‘We are delighted that Chris Packham has supported our call for action to clear up Hoad’s Wood.
‘Each day the waste remains, the more wildlife is impacted and the greater the health risks to the wider community.
‘At our recent public meeting, the Environment Agency committed to work towards clearing the site, that was weeks ago and nothing has been done.’
An Environment Agency Spokesperson said: ‘We are leading the ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal tipping of commercial waste at Hoads Wood, with support from Natural England, Forestry Commission, Kent County Council and Kent Police Rural Task Force.
‘We are initially targeting those who deposited the waste to clear the site, and we are investigating a number of individuals and companies.’
‘We are also assessing the nature, volume and potential environmental impact of the waste on local air and water quality.’
