A Letchworth man has been convicted after illegally dumping tree waste in a protected woodland in Letchworth Garden City.

Mr Luke Jenkins, of Chatterton, was found guilty of fly-tipping after branches, twigs and wood shavings from nearby tree work were dumped in Jackmans Plantation on 17 May 2023, breaching environmental protection laws.

North Herts Council said the incident was reported to its Community Safety Officer, who discovered a trail of waste leading from a nearby residential address across the road into the council-owned woodland.

Witness video footage later showed individuals carrying large branches into the woodland. The council linked the waste to Mr Jenkins, who had been hired by residents to carry out tree work while trading as Clean and Green Solutions.

Instead of disposing of the waste at a licensed facility, it was illegally dumped in the woodland, according to the council.

Mr Jenkins failed to attend two formal interviews under caution and was later convicted following a series of court hearings.

At Stevenage Magistrates' Court on 15 May 2026, he was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, including 40 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in costs to North Herts Council and a victim surcharge of £114.

A compensation order was considered by the court but was not awarded.

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Jackmans Plantation is a well-used local green space and the council warned that fly-tipping can damage habitats, harm wildlife and spoil the environment for residents.

Cllr Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Regulatory at North Herts Council, said: "Fly-tipping is a serious offence that harms our environment and our communities.

"This case demonstrates our commitment to investigating incidents thoroughly and taking enforcement action where appropriate.

"We will not tolerate individuals or businesses who choose to dispose of waste illegally rather than using proper, licensed facilities. We encourage residents to always check that any contractor they employ is authorised to remove and dispose of waste responsibly."

Residents are being encouraged to report fly-tipping quickly and to use only licensed waste carriers.

Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping in progress or on private land should call police on 999. Incidents on council or highway land can be reported online or by calling North Herts Council on 01462 474000.

Anonymous reports can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.