Piles of rubbish and plastics left to burn in a Welsh nature reserve and people nearby struggle to breathe

People living in the streets around a beautiful nature reserve say they've been plagued by flytipping and plumes of thick smoke from illegal fires there for more than two years - but now it's got so bad that they're struggling to breathe. Residents living near Eaglesbush Valley, a designated Local Nature Reserve in Neath, say they often see piles of dumped rubbish and plastics being burnt there, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and into their homes and gardens.

Outlining how the flytipping and fires in the nature reserve affect local people, one resident told WalesOnline: "They burn everything and dump old fridges in the nature reserve. They use an old foundry building that is of historic interest - most days the surrounding streets are covered in thick, acrid smog and it's endangering health to the residents as it enters homes.

"I've lived here [in a neighbouring street] since June 15, 2023 and it's been going on all year. Plumes of acrid smoke is going into the house and it fills the roads," the resident added. "We call the fire brigade out and sometimes they have to come out four or five times in a day. I've had to move out of my home and live with my parents. The smoke was getting so unbearable, it was getting hard to breathe. I felt ill and couldn't go to work [after breathing in the smoke from a recent fire]."

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Sharing photos of fires at the nature reserve, another resident said: "There has been over the last two years illegal burning at Eaglesbush Neath. The community have been complaining to the police, Natural Resources Wales and the Council but nothing seems to be done about it. The fire brigade have on multiple occasions had to come out and put the fires out. People on the street nearby have started a petition - the situation feels like it's kind of getting ridiculous!"

On Change.org, local people have started a petition to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) entitled "Enforce the Ban on Waste Burning in Eaglebush Valley Nature Reserve," calling for NRW to take "immediate action" against people burning waste at Eaglesbush and say they're concerned about how the fires and smoke affect themselves, the environment and local wildlife.

The petition reads: "We, the residents of Old Road and Meadow Road in Melyn, Neath, UK, are deeply concerned about the ongoing pollution risk posed by individuals and companies who continue to burn waste in the Eaglesbush Valley Nature Reserve. Despite a legal notice enforced 12 months ago prohibiting such activities, this notice is being blatantly ignored. The resulting thick smoke makes it difficult to breathe and penetrates our homes even with doors and windows shut - a clear indication of how severe this problem has become.

"This isn't just an issue affecting us humans; it's also a significant threat to our local wildlife. The nature reserve is home to various species, including bats, whose survival is at risk due to these harmful activities.

"Air pollution caused by burning waste contributes significantly to global warming (source: Environmental Protection Agency). It's not just about our immediate discomfort; it's about protecting our environment for future generations. We urge local authorities to take immediate action against those violating the ban on waste burning in Eaglesbush Valley Nature Reserve. Please join us in signing this petition and help protect both human health and biodiversity from further harm."

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it is aware of residents' concerns about fires at Eaglesbush Valley Nature Reserve and is continuing to work to resolve the issue. A spokesperson said: "The Service is aware of an ongoing issue where fires consisting of differing materials are being burned at a site along Foundry Road in Neath, having responded to this site on several occasions this year alone. The Service is currently communicating and engaging with partner agencies to assist in making contact with those responsible, and increase patrols in the area in an attempt to resolve the situation and reduce any possible future burning activity."

NRW launches investigation

WalesOnline contacted Natural Resources Wales (NRW) after speaking to residents about their concerns. In response, a spokesperson for the agency said: "Natural Resources Wales received numerous reports of burning of commercial waste at this location in summer 2023.

"NRW officers attended the site, took action to get the site cleared of waste and the tenant was given advice and a warning letter.

"We received a further three reports of burning in September 2023 which all related to the same incident. NRW officers attended the next day, and found evidence of a small fire, which was not within NRW’s remit to deal with and we passed this on to the local authority. There was no evidence, at that time, of a return to the commercial activity previously suspected.

"We have received further reports recently and NRW officers visited the site on Friday 17 May. As a result of that visit, we have launched an investigation into the waste activities taking place at the site.

"Local residents are urged to continue to report any incidents of burning at the site to NRW by calling 0300 065 3000 or reporting online: Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident"