Clear-up of historic woodland beauty spot where 30 trucks a day have dumped ... trends now
The clear-up of a historic woodland beauty spot where 30 trucks a day have dumped illegal waste 25ft high will cost an estimated £10million.
Officials launched an investigation after mountains of waste were piled around the four acres of Hoad's Wood in Kent, near Winnie the Pooh's Ashdown Forest.
Shocking photos show that the area more closely resembles a landfill site than a wildlife sanctuary - despite signs at the entrance warning fly-tippers they are being watched and will be prosecuted.
The local Rescue Hoad's Wood campaign group - who say the beautiful bluebell forest has been turned into a 'desolate wasteland' - told The Telegraph surveys estimate 27,000 tonnes of waste needs to be cleared.
They added that the cost to do this would be around £10million, including taxes and contingencies, based on a quote from a contractor.
The clear-up of a historic woodland beauty spot where 30 trucks a day have dumped illegal waste 25ft high (pictured) will cost an estimated £10million
Officials launched an investigation after mountains of waste were piled around the four acres of Hoad's Wood in Kent, near Winnie the Pooh's Ashdown Forest
The local Rescue Hoad's Wood campaign group - who say the beautiful bluebell forest has been turned into a 'desolate wasteland' (pictured before and after the waste dump)
Piles of waste have accumulated in the woodland area, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the range of birds, insects and trees that call it home
A petition calling for an immediate clean up of the woodland has reached over 6,500 signatures and has been supported by TV presenter Chris Packham.
The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the range of birds, insects and trees that call it home.
Officials at the Environment Agency are working with Kent Police's rural task force and Kent County Council to catch the fly-tippers.
Councillor Barker said: 'GCwSPC is appalled by this shocking sight. It is disheartening that some individuals find it acceptable to mistreat this cherished land.
'Hoad's Wood should be respected, not tarnished by unscrupulous actions.
'The implications are morally reprehensible, posing a substantial cost to the community and causing profound damage to flora and fauna with lasting effects.
An investigation is underway by the Environment Agency (EA) as to who has dumped the rubbish around the four acres of Hoad's Wood in Kent
The plot failed to sell at auction, with an auctioneer from Clive Emson admitting there's 'a lot of
