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Hoads Wood illegal waste supersite cleared in Kent at a cost of £15m
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The clearance of an illegal waste supersite at Hoads Wood in Kent has been completed after 15 months, costing taxpayers £15m. Criminal gangs had dumped nearly 40,000 tonnes of waste across the ancient woodland site in 2023. The Environment Agency-led operation removed 2,500 lorry loads of rubbish, while campaigners and conservationists express both relief and concern over potential future dumping and long-term ecological recovery.
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- The clearance of the Hoads Wood illegal waste site in Kent cost taxpayers £15m and took 15 months to complete.
- Nearly 40,000 tonnes of waste were dumped by criminal gangs at the Site of Special Scientific Interest during 2023.
- The Environment Agency-led operation required 2,500 lorry loads to remove the rubbish to a landfill site in Essex.
- Campaigners and local residents are concerned that criminal gangs or fly-tippers might return to the site.
- The Environment Agency has extended restriction orders and dug ditches to prevent trucks from accessing the area.
- Conservationists note it will take decades for ancient woodland species to return, though new open spaces and ponds may attract different wildlife.
- Three arrests were made in February 2025 as investigations into the illegal dumping continue.