Nature expert Chris Packham is calling for the clean-up of a historic Kent woodland after a colossal fly-tip was unearthed.

KentOnline revealed in January how litter is being piled 12ft high across four acres of Hoad’s Wood near Great Chart, Ashford.

Since then, several national news outlets have covered the story and now Springwatch presenter Mr Packham has had his say on the issue.

Writing on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Look at this! It’s an ancient woodland and SSI [Site of Special Scientific Interest].

“Where is the accountability, where is the law, where is the respect and where is the understanding that we are now fighting tooth and nail for nature and everything matters?

“C’mon Environment Agency and Natural England, let’s get this sorted.”

The woodland is designated as a SSSI due to its vast array of birds, insects and trees.

The Environment Agency (EA) has locked the site’s access gate off Fridd Lane and placed concrete blocks to prevent entry, alongside a warning notice at the entrance.

Anyone entering the land without reasonable excuse or written permission from the EA could be prosecuted.

In February, those living nearby launched a petition calling on the government to clear the protected land.

The Rescue Hoad’s Wood petition, which is calling on the authorities to take action, has now reached its initial target of 2,500 signatures.

In response to Mr Packham's post, a spokesperson for the Rescue Hoad’s Wood Campaign said: “We are delighted that Chris Packham has supported our call for action to clear up Hoad’s Wood.

“Each day the waste remains, the more wildlife is impacted and the greater the health risks to the wider community.

“At our recent public meeting, the EA committed to work towards clearing the site, that was weeks ago and nothing has been done.”

One Ashford resident previously described the site as “disgusting”.

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

“Honestly, I have never seen anything like it.”

In January, a lorry with no number plates was caught on camera approaching the woodland.

According to those at TalkTV, who filmed the driver, the vehicle turned around after camera crews were spotted.

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

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

Kent Wildlife Trust’s area manager Ian Rickards said: “The impact of this rubbish at Hoad’s Wood is horrendous. The waste is running to the water and it's yellow and stinking.

“It is then heading downstream, following the ditches and heading off further into Kent, polluting miles and miles and miles of water bodies.

“Ultimately, it's getting into people's food sources and rivers, into the stream and ultimately into the sea as well. That's going to be affecting aquatic life and it's affecting all of us too.”

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.

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

An EA 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.

“We are initially targeting those who deposited the waste to clear the site, and we are investigating a number of individuals and companies.

“A local company has approached us for permission to enter the site and quantify the cost of any clearance. We are currently considering this request.

“We are also assessing the nature, volume and potential environmental impact of the waste on local air and water quality.

“If you are suspicious of any waste crime, you can report it to us on our 24/7 incident number on 0800 807060 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”