Since our last update in October 2025, work continues to be delivered to our original project timescales and the removal of all waste is on track to be completed by the end of Summer 2026 with demobilisation towards the end of 2026. To date over 25,000 tonnes of waste has been removed via sub-contracted hauliers to suitably permitted landfills via the designated traffic routes through Hothfield village and onto the A20/ M20. The original estimate of 30,000 tonnes of waste appears to be sound.
As you will see in the table below phases 1-4 and 5a and 5b are complete which has also included significant works related to the impacted trees that were either dead or contaminated. Phase 5c has now started which involves clearance of waste around the contaminated tree stumps and reducing the waste down to just above the forest floor. The waste from previous phases has been removed from the main waste pile and along the access track down to about 100mm above anticipated ground level. This phase will also see all waste removed and a thin layer of the underlying soil removed to ensure all contamination is removed from site.
We will also carry out assessments at the end of the project to ensure all waste is removed alongside any contaminated soil hotspots.
Throughout the phases of the project we have continued our monitoring of the surrounding streams in the woodland and the River Beult. There has been no evidence of an impact on water quality on the river Beult and the current drier weather has reduced run off from the site into the stream network than runs throughout the woodland. Additionally, we have carried out extensive lateral surveys and borehole sampling to establish the breadth and depth of any further contamination.
What happens post demobilisation?
We are working with Natural England, Forestry Commission, Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council on plans for the site post-clearance.
We are reviewing what options are available to all organisations and landowners to facilitate the regeneration of the wood, however, as we have previously explained there will not be any re-planting or remediation of the site as part of this project.
All organisations are working together on response plans should there be any future illegal incursion into the woodland, within the confines of our various regulatory remits. Our enforcement investigation against those entities who originally dumped the waste at the site is progressing and remains ongoing.
| Phase | Works completed | Works outstanding | Works start date |
| Phase 1 | Waste sampling and associated surveys. This is now complete, and preliminary results have been reviewed. | N/A | Completed |
| Phase 2 (The site compound) | Designs, environmental and compound surveys, liaison with KCC in relation to Highways and Floods consents | N/a | Completed |
| Phase 3 (The construction of the access track and fencing) | Designs, environmental surveys, access track design and waste mass fencing design. SSSI assent. | N/a | Completed |
| Phase 4a (The main waste mass removal furthest from main access track) | Designs, environmental surveys, waste removal designs and plans. SSSI assent. | N/a | Completed |
| Phase 4b (the main waste mass removal closest to access track) | Designs, environmental surveys, waste removal designs and plans. SSSI assent for perimeter waste removal (is this correct?) | N/a | Completed |
| Phase 5a (Perimeter and forest floor waste removal) | Preparatory plans and documentation. | N/a | Completed |
| Phase 5b | Removal of dead or contaminated trees | N/a | Completed |
| Phase 5c | N/a | Clearance of waste around tree stumps and final waste removal down to Woodland floor | Summer 2026 |
| Phase 6 (Demobilisation) | N/A | Final validation and site compound removal | End of 2026 |
We are aware that Phases 5c and 6 of this project will still have a direct impact on the local community such as periodic amenity issues and vehicle movements. We have put mitigation measures in place related to odour, dust and noise from the site and the amount of lorry movements (8-wheeler tipper trucks) are governed by our Traffic Management Plan.
However, if you need to report an issue related to any aspect of our operations at Hoad’s Wood, please call our 24-Hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 and we will investigate further.
If you have any general questions related to this site or our regulatory role, please email hoadswood@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 03708 506 506.
Please feel free to share this update with the wider local community and those who may not have access to the internet.
Yours sincerely
Hoads Wood Project Team
Kent and South London Area
