Campaigners are mounting a fightback to “rescue” a historic woodland after a colossal fly-tip was unearthed.

Unscrupulous crooks are under investigation after depositing the sea of “disgusting“ mess towering 12 ft high across four acres in Hoads Wood, Ashford.

Those living nearby have joined forces to launch a petition calling on the government to clear the protected land off Bethersden Road.

In January, KentOnline revealed how the woodland area was transformed into a desolate wasteland.

The surreal dystopian scenes triggered a multi-agency probe with the Environment Agency (EA) leading the charge.

Set up recently, the ‘Rescue Hoads Wood’ campaign is calling on people to sign its petition to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, demanding immediate action.

Mark Elliot, a leading voice in the campaign, said: "The condition of Hoads Wood is a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction.

Our petition is a clarion call for the immediate restoration of this precious ancient woodland, and we will not rest until the necessary steps are taken."

Last month, the EA blocked access to the dumping grounds off Bethersden Road and laid down a strict court order making entry a criminal offence.

The woodland is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its vast array of birds, insects and trees.

The EA has locked the site’s access gate 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 Environment Agency could be prosecuted.

People who tamper with the lock or notice could also be hauled before the courts.

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

He told KentOnline: “I went to view the four acres of land and it was stacked about 12ft high with rubbish.

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

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

So far, the petition has gained over 700 signatures.

A community meeting has also been scheduled by campaigners to address the crisis, featuring Damian Green MP and key representatives from local councils and environmental agencies.

The meeting's goal is to secure a commitment to a “swift clean-up” and to understand the reasons for the “lack of earlier intervention” so that similar catastrophes can be prevented in the future.

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

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

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.

It is also a designated site of Special Scientific Interest, and enjoys one of the highest levels of protection.

In 2020, concerns were raised over giant oak trees being felled in another part of Hoads 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.

A spokesperson from the EA said: “We are leading the ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal tipping of commercial waste at Hoads 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.”