Organised criminals dumped 40,000 tonnes of illegal waste in Kent's ancient Hoad's Wood and it took £15.5m to clear it

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026 · last updated 10 October 2026.

Hoad's Wood, a protected ancient woodland near Ashford in Kent, has been fully cleared of nearly 40,000 tonnes of fly-tipped waste, the Environment Agency has confirmed, following a 15-month operation that cost around £15.5 million. Organised criminals began targeting the bluebell woodland in 2023, stacking household and construction waste to heights of 15 feet before authorities stepped in. Removing it required 2,500 lorry-loads and a workforce of more than 50 specialists, including archaeologists and nature experts. Three men have been arrested as part of the criminal investigation.

Area environmental manager Matthew Higginson described Hoad's Wood as 'arguably the worst waste dump I've seen', noting a 'quite revolting' smell and black liquid from decomposing waste seeping into the surrounding environment.

The site, a designated site of special scientific interest supporting rare plants, nightingales and woodcocks, is not yet open to the public as the woodland recovers.

Local residents reported convoys of up to 20–30 trucks a day depositing waste from July 2023, though illegal activity at the site dates back to 2020.