Following a spate of fly tipping at a much-loved beauty spot on River Lynher and within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a small team including volunteers spent a day last week clearing an estimated two tonnes of dumped waste.

Wacker Quay, just off the A374 between Trerulefoot and Antony and sitting on the estuary of the Lynher, is a haven for wildlife. It’s also a place for fresh air and quiet walks enjoyed by many locals, especially valued as part of daily exercise under lockdown.

Historically, the area has been prone to fly tipping, and unfortunately this has increased recently. Items dumped included a washing machine, a vacuum cleaner, a whole set of ornamental garden statues, many bags of household, garden and DIY waste and even a kitchen sink.

With the help of two socially distanced Valley Volunteers, Tamar Valley AONB Manager Dan Cooke spent four hours removing the waste, ready for collection by an authorised local contractor.

Dan said: “It is sad that a small minority of people continue to spoil such a beautiful place as Wacker Quay for others by fly-tipping their waste. It’s not only illegal, but it’s also unpleasant and dangerous for people, wildlife and pets.

“It’s especially frustrating, as much of what we cleared is recyclable and can be easily taken to the Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centre at Saltash.”

He added: “This clean-up was a joint effort and we’d like to thank Tamar Community Trust for safely coordinating their volunteers, and Cornwall Council for advice regarding the waste removal. We’ll now be working together to prevent and deter further tipping at Wacker Quay in the longer term.”