Three arrested over “gentle” waste disposal on a beauty place in Kent – Irvine Times

Wood’s Wood, a place of beauty in Ashford, Kent – defined a place with a special scientific interest, was described as a “environmental disaster” by locals after being buried under waste by landfills.

Wood has a huge array of birds, insects and trees.

Two of the suspects, aged 44 and 62, are from the island of handfuls, while the third, 41 years old, is from Sittingburn, the Environment Agency said.

All three were interviewed.

The Environment Agency launched a criminal investigation in 2023 after 30,000 tonnes of household and construction waste accumulated at an altitude of 15 feet in places were discarded.

The court order has been borne a ban on unauthorized access to the wood and has hired a specialized waste elimination company.

Authorities will monitor the site for any effect on air or water quality.

Simon Hawkins of the Environment Agency said: “Disposing of thousands of tons of waste in the Hoad tree in 2023 was a rude act of vandalism – with horrific consequences for the local community and the environment.

“The Environment Agency and the Kent Police are working tirelessly to reveal the identity of the responsible and to bring them before the court and to fight organized criminal networks.

“The arrest of three persons yesterday is a major step forward for our investigation and must bring some comfort to residents whose life has been exceeded by this crime.”

Sergeant Darren Walshow of Kent police said: “The passage of fly and ecological crime is rich in Kent’s beautiful landscape, and we are committed to supporting the Environment Agency in his continued efforts to bring responsible to justice.

“People who do not point out large volumes of waste are often related to other forms of criminal activity and their illegal actions should not be tolerated.”

Last year, HOAD’s Wood Rescue Group said locals reported 20-30 trucks ejected illegal waste on July 2023, and earlier cases of illegal activity were reported in 2020.

Photos on the site show the scale of the garbage mounted up and entering stains from blue bells, while blue water also removes the area.

The campaign has received support from a number of charity organizations, including Kent Wildlife Trust, South East River Trust, Woodland Trust and the likes of television presenter and naturalist Chris Pacham.