In the autumn of 2020 there were a number of incidents at Smallford Pits, St Albans, where wildlife ponds containing crested newts, a species protected by law, were deliberately dredged. As if this was not enough, it is alleged that the accused went on to poison and destroy the ponds completely and then proceeded to clear the remaining wildlife habitat from the site. This site had been surveyed some weeks before and was so special that it could have been considered to be nominated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the wildlife it contained.

During this period residents watched in horror at what was taking place and collected evidence that was later forwarded to the local police Wildlife Crime Unit. This is one of the most blatant breaches of wildlife laws that we have witnessed but the Police Wildlife Crime unit refused to press charges. 

We suggest that the decision by the police not to prosecute this individual is against the public interest. We would welcome further consideration of this case to see if you, as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, agree that there are sufficient grounds to prosecute or, if not, why that is?

There are a growing number of Hertfordshire residents that are concerned about our local environment and why, in this case, the police are sending entirely the wrong message to landowners throughout the County.