A huge mound of rubble illegally dumped in historic woodland has been shut off to the public after coming under the spotlight on KentOnline.

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

KentOnline revealed earlier this month how the protected land off Bethersden Road was transformed into a desolate wasteland.

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

Now, the agency has 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 now 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.”

The restriction order was obtained at Medway Magistrates Court at a hearing today to prevent access.

Last week, 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.

Speaking after today’s hearing, Matt Higginson, the EA’s environment manager, said: “We know illegal waste activity harms the environment and has a devastating effect on communities. Our priority is protecting the local community and environment.

“This order has been secured following the local community’s concerns and the environmental impact of the tipping of waste at the site.

“To disrupt the illegal dumping of waste at the site, we inspect the site regularly, and working with Kent Police's Rural Task Force, we have had a regular presence in the Hoads Wood area, stopping waste carrier vehicles to check compliance.

“The Environment Agency’s powers to stop waste crime include prosecuting those we believe are behind dumping waste illegally, which can lead to prison sentences. Among other measures, we can use court orders to close sites. We know illegal waste activity harms the environment and has a devastating effect on communities.

“While most waste sites are operated responsibly, we will take action against those who flout the law.

“If people see or suspect illegal tipping of waste, they can report it to us on our 24/7 Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555111.”

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.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw of Kent Police's Rural Task Force said: “The size of this site and the amount of waste illegally dumped there is shocking and totally irresponsible.

“Fly-tipping is often linked to other forms of criminality and we are therefore assisting the Environment Agency and other partner agencies with their investigation and associated enforcement action.”

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.

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