Staff clear massive fly-tip pile from ancient wood
City of London CorporationOne 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 City of London Corporation, which manages the forest, said the site was cleared within 24 hours.
A spokesperson 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.
City of London CorporationThe area is subject to a habitat restoration programme to create conditions for heathland wildlife and flora to thrive.
The spokesperson said the corporation's enforcement team would continue to investigate the incident and would "always pursue prosecution wherever possible".
"Those responsible for this appalling environmental crime have shown a blatant disregard for areas afforded the very highest levels of heritage and nature protection."
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