Over four tonnes of cannabis farm waste has been dumped in Brede High Woods in the past year, leading to fears about the damage to the woodland’s rare and protected wildlife. Concerns have also been raised after reports of poaching and illegal quad and trail bike use.
Over the past year multiple black bags of soil waste, propagation kits, tubing and equipment linked to commercial cannabis production have been found at the site. Another 20 are awaiting removal.
The charity says it has spent more than £2,000 on skip hire and contractors, diverting funds away from its important conservation work.
Helen Osorio, site manager at Brede High Woods, said the financial and environmental costs are substantial, “The scale of cannabis farm waste and anti-social behaviour we’re dealing with is disgusting and relentless. It’s expensive, environmentally damaging and deeply frustrating for staff and visitors.”
Brede High Woods is one of the South East’s most ecologically valuable sites, covering more than 260 hectares of ancient woodland, grassland, heath, streams and ponds. It’s home to an abundance of rare and threatened species including brook lamprey, a primitive, eellike species that lives in the woodland’s streams and is one of the UK’s most ancient vertebrates.
The site also provides crucial habitat for great crested newts, water voles and is home to extremely rare invertebrates, including the flea beetle, for which Brede High Woods is the only known UK location.
The wider landscape also sustains populations of bats, badgers and notable woodland birds such as nightingales and woodcock, reflecting the site’s importance as one of East Sussex’s richest ecological refuges.
In addition to the cannabis waste being dumped, staff and local residents have reported an increase in poaching and illegal vehicle access throughout Brede High Woods, with quad bikers and trail motor bikes driving through fragile habitats and causing significant damage.
The Woodland Trust has begun blocking unauthorised access routes to help protect the woodland, wildlife and visitors. Wildlife cameras have now also been installed to help monitor ongoing activity in the woods at key entry points to deter offenders.
Image Credits: Woodland Trust .