Startling aerial drone images have revealed a massive illegal fly-tipping site in woodland near the village of Ranskill, Nottinghamshire, where 59,000 tonnes of household waste have been dumped. The Environment Agency (EA) has launched a criminal investigation into this large-scale environmental crime.
The site, sprawling beyond the size of a football pitch, surrounds a lake adjacent to two protected nature reserves. Nottinghamshire County Council has issued both a Stop Notice and a Planning Enforcement Notice to prevent any further waste from being deposited.
Locals were largely unaware of the dump’s existence due to the fly-tippers' efforts to conceal the site, which lies somewhat off the beaten path. Mary, a 64-year-old resident, said: “We had no idea this was happening until now. Hundreds, if not thousands, of lorry loads have been dumped. It’s shocking and damaging to our environment. We hope those responsible are held accountable.”
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Dan Simpson, Chair of Ranskill Council, described how suspicion had grown over the past year with unmarked lorries accessing the area and roads being altered to facilitate waste dumping. “We didn’t fully grasp the scale until recently. Public frustration is high, and safety concerns have limited closer inspection,” he added.
The Environment Agency emphasized the rising problem of waste crime nationwide, stating: “We are committed to tackling this environmental blight. Working with the County Council, we have stopped further dumping and begun a criminal investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”
Bassetlaw District Council’s Councillor Darrell Pulk highlighted the broader issue of organised criminal gangs conducting fly-tipping to avoid legal disposal costs, placing financial burden on councils and partner agencies. He urged residents to only use licensed waste carriers to prevent contributing to the problem.
With eight other sites across the country currently exceeding 20,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste, the EA recently launched a ten-point plan to combat organised waste crime through improved prevention, detection, and enforcement efforts.