Hunt for fly-tippers using nature site as a dump

About a dozen tipper loads of waste was dumped on National Trust land

A multi-agency effort has been launched to catch fly-tippers who have been using a nature reserve as a rubbish dump.

At least 20 tonnes of waste was illegally dumped on National Trust land at Holt Heath, Dorset, over a matter of days in October.

Forestry England land has also been affected, with piles of rubbish left in White Sheet car park and nearby gateways.

Dorset Council Waste Services appealed for information to trace those responsible but said it had already found some evidence that could help.

The waste services team said it was investigating a series of incidents in Holt Heath and Pilford, including the "major dump of around a dozen tipper loads of waste on National Trust land".

The Trust said it was made aware of about 15 tonnes of waste at one location on 16 October, with five tonnes dumped at other sites in the following days.

Countryside manager David Farthing said: "Holt Heath is an exceptionally important place for nature conservation.

"Leaving rubbish can not only cause significant damage to these special places, but can also harm birds, wildlife and livestock, and is a safety concern to other visitors.

"Our rangers and volunteers should be busy doing conservation work, not clearing up litter."

Holt Heath was the scene of a huge wildfire in August

Dorset Council is working with Dorset Police, the National Trust and Forestry England to track down those responsible, and appealed to the public for information, "no matter how small it may seem".

A spokesperson said: "Although recent fly-tipping incidents occurred on private land, we are committed to supporting partner agencies in tackling waste crime in rural areas."

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "The dumping of waste earth at this precious SSSI nature reserve, which has already been so badly damaged this year, is nothing short of despicable.

"This type of irresponsible fly-tipping blights our countryside, damages protected habitats and undermines the community's trust in keeping our environment safe."

Holt Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve.

About 69 hectares (170 acres) of nature habitat was destroyed there in the summer that was started deliberately and took six days to put out.

Dorset Council said the area between Holt Heath and Uddens Drive was a current hotspot for fly-tipping.

It estimates the issue costs the council £100,000 a year to clear up.