The clearance of a significant illegal waste site in Hoads Wood, Kent, has concluded after 15 months, costing the taxpayer £15m. The site, near Ashford, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for rare plants and wildlife.
Criminals dumped nearly 40,000 tonnes of waste over six months in 2023, with piles reaching up to 15ft (4.6m). The clean-up, led by the Environment Agency, began in June 2025 and involved removing 2,500 lorry loads of waste to a landfill site in Essex.
The government stated that the completion of works demonstrates its commitment to tackling waste crime. However, campaigners, including CPRE Kent and Kent Wildlife Trust, expressed concerns that criminal gangs might return to dump waste at the cleared site.
The Environment Agency (EA) has extended a restriction order and dug ditches to prevent access by waste trucks. Matthew Higginson, the EA's area environmental manager, said a joint "trigger plan" with police and local authorities is in place to respond quickly to any future incidents.
Ian Rickards of Kent Wildlife Trust noted that while ancient woodland species would take decades to return, the newly created open spaces, wet bodies, ponds, and dead wood piles could attract wildlife back to the site. Investigations into those responsible for the dumping are ongoing, with three arrests made in February 2025.