Investigation launched after more than 30,000 tonnes of waste dumped in conservation site near Rugby

Shredded waste, which was covered by soil, was found at The Cave’s Inn Pits near Shawell.

The pits is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and contains some of the best remaining areas of neutral marsh in Leicestershire.

The Environment Agency has asked the public to stay away from the site, which has been polluted following the incident, while their investigation is ongoing.

An assessment of the waste is ongoing to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, while air and water quality is being monitored in the area.

The Environment Agency’s area director for the West Midlands Ian Jones said: “This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public's disgust. 

"We have launched an investigation with Natural England to find the criminals and ensure they pay the price for their despicable actions.

“We ask the public to stay away from the area, which is on private land, while we investigate.

“Anyone with information about this incident should please call our 24-hour hotline.”

Local residents first raised concerns after detecting strong odours from the area.

Subsequent inspections revealed that waste had been layered and concealed with soil across an area roughly the size of a football pitch.

Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said: “This is a shocking and deeply distressing case. To see one of our most valuable natural habitats treated as a dumping ground is completely unacceptable. Residents are rightly outraged, and I share their anger.

“I am in close contact with the Environment Agency, Natural England, and local authorities to ensure that those responsible are held to account and that every possible step is taken to restore the site and protect public health. This is illegal activity on a massive scale.”

While initial assessments from Natural England suggest no immediate wider environmental impact has been confirmed, air and water quality monitoring is ongoing, and reports of gas odours are being investigated.

The MP has also raised concerns about the scale and organisation behind the operation, noting that waste crime is increasingly linked to sophisticated criminal networks.

“This appears to be part of a wider and growing problem of organised waste crime," he said.

"We need robust enforcement, tougher penalties, and better coordination between agencies to prevent further incidents like this.”

The MP’s office said it is "actively engaging" with stakeholders, including local councillors, parish representatives, and enforcement bodies. A site visit is being arranged with officials, and further inquiries are being made into the origins of the waste and any contractors potentially linked to nearby operations.

Local resident Sallyann Bundock, 56, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: "It's really sad to see what they have done up there.

"It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and lots of people walk their dogs around the fields nearby - but now it just stinks and can't go up there.

"We started noticing a really pungent smell probably around Easter time.

"It must have taken thousands of trucks to have unloaded all that - yet the landowner doesn't seem to know anything about it.

"It's a really disappointing to say the least, when the wind is blowing the smell is really bad.

"I don't know how they can even remove that much waste or where it will even be taken to."

Another villager, who did not wish to be named, added: "It's disgusting there's an illegal dump so close to our pretty village.

"There's a tip not that far away so there's really no excuse for illegal dumping. It has left a really unpleasant smell too."

Alongside a criminal investigation, the agency said it is assessing local air and water quality to prevent any further environmental impact.

Phil Hukin, principal manager for Leicestershire and Rutland at Natural England, said: "This site contained some of the best remaining areas of neutral marsh in Leicestershire.

"It is heartbreaking to see one of England’s precious sites of special scientific interest damaged like this.

"Our officers are working closely with Environment Agency colleagues to investigate this appalling crime."

The Environment Agency is appealing for anyone with information to come forward and report it to their incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Residents are urged to avoid the site while investigations continue and to report any relevant information to the Environment Agency incident hotline: 0800 807060, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.