Shocking images show how a historic Kent woodland has been turned into a “disgusting” wasteland – with tonnes of rubbish dumped in the wildlife haven.

The Environment Agency (EA) is leading an investigation into how litter has ended up piled 12ft high across about four acres in Hoad’s Wood, off Bethersden Road, Ashford.

It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the range of birds, insects and trees it is home to.

A sign at the entrance to the section of wood warns that fly-tippers are being watched and will be prosecuted.

But KentOnline can today reveal how the area now resembles a landfill site, rather than a sanctuary for wild animals.

The EA is working with Kent Police’s rural task force, Kent County Council and other agencies in its probe into the “alleged illegal tipping of commercial waste”.

One Ashford resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, viewed the site last month as it was listed for auction with Clive Emson.

But when he made his way into the woods, he was left “shocked” by the sea of waste.

“I went to view the four acres of land and it was stacked about 12ft high with rubbish,” he said.

“I think there are hundreds of thousands of tonnes of litter dumped there.

“Honestly, I have never seen anything like it. It’s disgusting.

“Someone needs to be held responsible for this and people need to be made aware of what is happening in our woods.”

The plot within the woodland area did not sell at auction and a Clive Emson auctioneer has confirmed there “is a lot of fly-tipping in the area and they do not know who is responsible”.

Moths and butterflies have been well documented in the forest, including two nationally rare species.

A variety of birds breed in the wood, including nightingales, woodcocks, nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and several kinds of tits and warblers.

Now, a multi-agency investigation is underway.

An Environment Agency Spokesperson said: “We are leading the ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal tipping of commercial waste at Hoad’s Wood with support from Natural England, Forestry Commission, Kent County Council and Kent Police rural task force.

“If you are suspicious of any waste crime, you can report it to us on our 24/7 incident number on 0800 807060.”

Cllr Yolanda Barker, who is part of the Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council (GCwSPC), says she “hopes the litter is removed quickly”.

“GCwSPC is appalled by this shocking sight,” she said.

“It is disheartening that some individuals find it acceptable to mistreat this cherished land. Hoads 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.

“We are pleased that Kent County Council and the Environment Agency are already working on this but hope that it is removed quickly unlike other areas where it has been left as it is too expensive to remove at taxpayer's expense.”

Clive Emson was unable to tell KentOnline who currently owns the area which is being investigated.

In 2020, concerns were raised over giant oak trees being felled in another part of Hoad’s Wood, which in total is about 200 acres in size.

Hoad’s Wood is also where the body of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, murdered by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, from Deal, was found in 2021.

Elsewhere in the county, over the last three years, tonnes of rubbish have been illegally dumped onto Sheppey Beach, which is also an SSSI.

Fly-tippers have left asbestos, polystyrene and building waste to fester on the shores beloved by fossil hunters.

A SSSI in Great Britain is a conservation designation denoting a protected area.