Essex wildlife reserve targeted by flytippers twice in one week
Dead fish and what appears to be construction refuse were dumped
Last updated 17th Apr 2026
An Essex wildlife reserve has been targeted by “mindless” flytippers twice in one week.
Large piles of mess have been dumped in Canvey Wick on Canvey Island this week.
Dead fish and what appears to be construction refuse were dumped at the reserve, a local beauty spot run by the RSPB, off Northwick Road.
Angry residents have hit out at the flytippers. Local Carmen O’Connor, 38, said: “It’s totally disgusting and I still find it shocking that someone can do this. It’s even worse to see this at a beauty spot like this. I really hope they are caught and dealt with as soon as possible.” She also called for stronger punishments for flytippers.
Images sent to the Local Democracy Reporting Service show blocks of wood, insulation, plastic and other materials. Cardboard and pipes were also dumped at the island reserve.
Essex has struggled with flytipping and waste being dumped in various areas for many years. The Canvey incidents come as Epping Forest District Council brings in tougher fines after it was named the worst area for the offence
Katie McCann, 65, added: “These are just despicable morons, how dreadful people can do this is beyond me, they are dirty rotten scum, I am getting worried that it’s getting worse over there. We need to be working together to keep these lovely spaces clean and tidy.”
The RSPB were contacted for comment.