Overview
- Over the past year, more than four tonnes of cannabis-farm waste were fly-tipped across Brede High Woods near Hastings, with about 20 bags still awaiting removal.
- The dumped material includes black bags of soil waste, propagation kits, tubing and cultivation equipment reported at the Cripps Corner site.
- Conservationists warn of risks to soil and streams that support rare species including nightingales, great-crested newts, water voles, unique flea beetles and brook lamprey.
- The Woodland Trust has spent over £2,000 on cleanup at the site, while similar incidents across the South East have cost the charity around £15,000 in the past year.
- Access points are being blocked and wildlife cameras installed as Sussex Police coordinate on any active cases, with reports requested via the Battle or Hastings teams on 101 or 999.