A HUDDERSFIELD woodland - which is home to rare species - is being blighted by flytipping, according to the environmental group struggling to revive it.
The Friends of Dean Wood have been working for more than three years to improve access to the beauty spot, between Netherton and South Crosland, by installing footpaths, steps and benches.
But today volunteer and secretary of the group Juliet Dyson admitted regular dumping of tyres, fridges and old furniture was spoiling the area.
Mrs Dyson, of Midway, South Crosland, said: "We only have one working day a month and it is rather tedious clearing up people's rubbish when we would prefer to be doing things like rebuilding walls or improving footpaths.
"I find it very sad when we have put so much work in.
"It is such a shame because it is a lovely wood and a lot of people appreciate it, but a few are spoiling it for the many."
She said the group, consisting of about 60 members, frequently found evidence of vandalism and flytipping in the wood, which is home to several rare species of beetles.
She said: "I don't understand it when there is a household waste site only two miles from here.
"They come and dump here when, for only a couple more miles, they could take it to a waste disposal site.
"Some people just treat the countryside as a dustbin."
A spokesman for Kirklees Council's environmental waste service said: "We would urge anyone who suspects flytipping is taking place to obtain a vehicle registration number and contact the flytipping hotline on 01484 414700 or the police."
