Land that borders a protected nature site is being investigated over claims it is being used as an illegal site to dump medical waste. The Environment Agency (EA) said it was investigating the site off Mill Lane, near Wadborough, in Worcestershire. The land is near Great Blaythorn Meadow, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
A resident in the area, who asked not to be named, told the BBC a muck spreader, which are normally used to distribute farmyard manure, had been used to spread medical waste. The EA said it was investigating alongside West Mercia Police, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council. An EA spokesperson said: "Waste crime scars communities and the environment and, in line with our 10-point plan, we're acting quickly to tackle illegal activity." The resident said they were concerned by how close the site was in relation to Great Blaythorn Meadow, which Natural England lists as an SSSI. , external Natural England considers the land special for its biological interest, specifically wanting to protect its rare lowland meadow and grassland habitat.
The resident claimed "local residents of Wadborough and Drakes Broughton had identified some of the spread waste as medical in origin" and "estimated that 300 tonnes of contaminated waste has been spread on the field". However, the EA has not confirmed the nature of the waste or how much waste has been dumped. Photos said to be taken at the scene show small scraps of metal and plastic scattered across the area which is under investigation.
In December 2025, the BBC revealed a site off Mill Lane was under investigation for illegal waste dumping. At the time, it became the third site in Worcestershire being investigated for illegal waste dumping. The others sites were Stone Arrow Farm, Peopleton and Haselor Lane, Evesham.
The EA said it was "pulling every lever available" to "disrupt those who profit from the harm illegal waste sites cause". Tell us which stories we should cover in Hereford & Worcester Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Hunt to find 400-tonne waste dump culprits Clean-up of illegal waste supersite costs taxpayers £6m MP calls for illegal waste action after site cleared
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