A Devon-based charity has been left with the costly and dangerous task of clearing up fly-tipping left by thoughtless vandals at one of its nature reserves.
A ‘substantial truck or van load’ of mixed rubbish was dumped recently at Devon Wildlife Trust’s Meresfelle nature reserve.
The reserve is near Woolfardisworthy in North Devon and is a haven for rare wildlife including the marsh fritillary butterfly.
The charity’s staff discovered what was described as a ‘mixed load’ of rubbish fly-tipped and blocking an entrance to the site.
On closer inspection the items dumped included carrier bags, children’s toys, general household rubbish, concrete paving slabs, timber, an old fan heater and garden waste.
Devon Wildlife Trust’s Steve Hussey said: “It’s always sad when people fly-tip at one our nature reserves.
"Most are in rural spots and represent easy targets for unthinking individuals who can’t be bothered or don’t want the expense of recycling and disposing of rubbish properly.
"Clearing up after fly-tippers puts our staff at risk because you can never be sure what has been dumped. In the past we’ve discovered used medical equipment in amongst discarded materials.
It’s very expensive for our charity to deal with these incidents. We’d much rather be directing our people and resources to the job of helping Devon’s wildlife.”
Devon Wildlife Trust cares for 50 nature reserves in the county. Anyone with any information on the fly-tipped rubbish should call the charity or the police with information.
