Fly-tip waste in Epping Forest is cleared by staff

One of the largest fly-tips ever to be found in the heart of ancient woodland has been described as a “blatant disregard” of heritage and nature protection.

Staff working at Epping Forest in Essex found the mound of waste at Long Running, close to Loughton Camp, on Friday.

The Epping Forest charity, which manages the woodland, said the site was cleared within 24 hours.

In a post on social media, the charity said staff were “devastated” by the discovery and that the cost of clearing it would run into “thousands of pounds”.

Loughton Camp is home to one of two Iron Age forts found within Epping Forest, thought to have been built about 500 BC.

The Iron Age earthworks are protected by Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest designations, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The area is subject to a habitat restoration programme to create conditions for heathland wildlife and flora to thrive.

Enforcement officers would continue to investigate the incident and would “always pursue prosecution wherever possible”, the charity said.

“Those responsible for this appalling environmental crime have shown a blatant disregard for areas afforded the very highest levels of heritage and nature protection.”

The Epping Forest charity is part of the City of London Corporation.

Caroline Haines, chairperson of its Epping Forest and Commons Committee, said it relies “heavily on public support and donations”.

“Fly-tipping causes serious environmental harm and wastes resources that could otherwise be used to enhance the forest, which millions of people enjoy every year,” she said.