Fly tippers threaten Phoenix Green Common

THE future of Phoenix Green Common, an extensive area of woodland straddling the A30 at Hartley Wintney, is being threatened by the dumping of green, household and construction waste Hart District Council’s Countryside Service revealed this week.

A recent survey showed that the site supports more than 100 woodland species and there are 32 ancient woodland indicators. Consistent tipping is putting the whole area at risk.

Ranger Phillippa Morrison-Price says there is a widespread misconception that it is acceptable to dump garden waste because it will rot down.

She says: “The dumping of green waste, especially whole plants, their root systems, the soil in which they are rooted and any seed material is especially hazardous.”

Exotic plant species that become established in the countryside often out-compete native plants and devastate the natural environment.

“It is like dropping a dirty bomb onto a site with potentially irreversible consequences,” she declares.

Rubble, soil, old rabbit hutches and tyres are among things found on a regular basis. Even grass cuttings can create problems affecting the soil and encouraging weeds.

“It is always surprising that people are so willing to dump waste on their doorstep, “says Phillippa. “There seems to be an attitude of out of sight, out of mind.”

She says it costs Hart thousands of pounds a year in clearing up piles of waste thrown over the back fences of properties and she cites reports of local residents taking wheel barrows of material onto the common.

There are household waste centres at Springwell Lane, Hartley Wintney (tel 01252 845312), Eelmoor Rd, Farnborough (tel 01252 541277), Wade Road, Basingstoke (tel 01256 461750) and St Lawrence Rd, Alton (tel 01420 542572). Hart also operates a garden waste collection service –to find out more ring 01252 844915.

For further information on Phoenix Green or to volunteer for the Countryside Service contact Phillippa Morrison-Price on 01252 623443 or email philippa.morrison-price@hart.gov.uk