Farmers forced to clean-up 'dangerous' fly-tipping waste at rural Seskinore

A LOCAL farmer in Seskinore has spoken out after discovering a large quantity of glass bottles and litter strewn across one of his working fields - a discovery that could have had devastating consequences for his livestock.

The alarm was raised this week when the Seskinore Rural Community Group was contacted by the farmer, who shared photographs showing dozens of discarded bottles and rubbish scattered across grazing land.

“This isn’t just unsightly - it poses a real danger,” he said. “Broken glass and rubbish can cause serious injury to livestock and can also damage farm machinery, leading to costly repairs and potential safety risks.”

For farmers already operating under tight margins, incidents like this are more than an inconvenience. Every shard of glass hidden in grass presents a threat - to animals worth thousands of pounds, to expensive machinery, and to the farmer’s own safety.

“Our countryside is a working environment as well as a beautiful place to live and visit,” the farmer added. “Farmers should not have to spend valuable time clearing up other people’s waste to protect their animals and equipment.”

Local councillor Shirley Hawkes, also condemned the indiscriminate nature of this illegal dumping saying there was no excuse for anyone not to use the council facilities if they needed to dispose of a large volume of bottles and cans.

"I've heard about the dumping and I'm disappointed to learn that people still don't respect the countryside by doing things like this. Not alone is it dangerous for animals and humans but it scars nature and leaves a bad impression for anyone passing by."

The incident in Seskinore reflects a wider and worsening problem across the district: illegal waste disposal, more commonly known as fly-tipping.

"There's no excuse for this bad behaviour in this day and age. Litter of any description is unsightly. Council and local community groups put in a lot of time, money and effort to keep our areas clean so things like illegal fly tipping certainly do not help. I would appeal to those involved to consider the implications of their actions and do the right thing in future," she said.

According to statistics from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), over one million fly-tipping incidents are reported annually in England alone. Local councils shoulder clean-up costs that run into tens of millions of pounds each year - money ultimately borne by taxpayers.

While high-profile cases often involve black bags dumped in back lanes or construction debris left on roadsides, rural areas are increasingly being targeted. Fields, forestry tracks, and country roads - often isolated and poorly monitored - have become dumping grounds for everything from household waste and old furniture to hazardous materials.

For rural communities, the environmental risks are severe. Waste dumped in fields or near waterways can:

l Contaminate soil and water supplies

l Injure or kill livestock and wildlife

l Spread disease and attract vermin

l Pollute landscapes that support tourism and local wellbeing

When hazardous materials such as paint, oil, chemicals, or asbestos are involved, the risks escalate dramatically. These substances can seep into the ground, threatening ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain.

In agricultural areas like Seskinore, the consequences are immediate and personal. A single broken bottle can slice into an animal’s hoof or digestive tract. A piece of hidden debris can destroy cutting equipment, resulting in repair bills running into thousands.

Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. Beyond environmental damage, it erodes community morale and creates a sense of neglect. Areas blighted by illegal dumping often see:

l Reduced property values

l Increased antisocial behaviour

l Health risks for children and pets

l A growing perception that offenders can act without consequence

Rural residents say hotspots develop when perpetrators believe enforcement is weak and witnesses are scarce.

l What’s Driving the Surge?

l Authorities point to several contributing factors:

l Unlicensed “man and van” operators offering cheap waste removal, then dumping it illegally

l Rising disposal fees at recycling centres

l Lack of awareness about legal disposal routes

l Limited enforcement resources

In some cases, unscrupulous businesses cut corners to save money, shifting the environmental and financial burden onto farmers and local communities.

The Seskinore farmer is now urging residents and visitors alike to think twice before discarding waste.

“Please, if you’re out walking or driving through the area, take all litter home with you. If you see someone dumping rubbish, report it. Let’s all do our part to keep Seskinore safe for everyone.”

Community groups are encouraging residents to report incidents to their local council and to ensure any waste carrier they hire is properly licensed.

For farmers in rural areas, the message is clear: the countryside is not a dumping ground. It is a workplace, a livelihood, and a shared responsibility.