THE remains of a cannabis farm have been dumped in large quantities at a Christchurch beauty spot.

Black bin bags filled with peat, stems and dead leaves were found floating in a flooded ditch alongside Dudmoor Lane at St Catherine's Hill.

A large quantity of sacks, containing what is believed to be cannabis plant ends, were left along the 250m stretch, accompanied by several plastic plant fertiliser containers and a range of other debris.

Police attended the scene last week and a spokesperson said no further action was taken.

Sergeant Kerry Shelley, of Christchurch police, said: “We would always urge members of the local community to contact us with any information relating to drug dealing or drug-related activity.

“We are focussed on working with local residents and our partners to act on any concerns the community may have in relation to this and our local neighbourhood police officers can be approached with any concerns.”

Police said the dumping of cannabis substances in itself is not a criminal offence and the force is unable to take action.

Officers said it is only an offence when it is being grown, however added they will act if they are made aware of a cannabis factory.

Fly-tipping is a civil offence so the issue of the dumping sits with the local authority or landowner.

Dorset Waste Partnership are responsible for the removal of fly-tipping sites on public ground in Dorset, however a spokesperson for the partnership said after visiting the site it was discovered the waste was located on private land and outside their jurisdiction.

Justine Grannell, who lives near to the open heathland and regularly rides her horse along Dudmoor Lane, said she had seen black bags in the ditch for some time and could not believe the amount that was now being dumped.

"I've never seen the containers before until now. It is so brazen and they must keep coming back to this area," she said.

"We don't know who it could be. We haven't ever seen people go by with bin bags in their car. They keep on doing it and they are obviously growing it at quite a rate.

"We notice when there is a new bag because the horses will smell it and leap about. There has been another batch dumped within the last two weeks.

"Originally we couldn't see what was in the bags and then saw the peat which made us think it could be a plant shop of some kind.

"It has been going on for some time and each time it seems to be more and more they are dumping."

A dog walker, who asked to remain anonymous, said they are used to seeing a few bags there but the volume now dumped at the sight was a shock.

"I couldn't really believe what I could see," she said.

"At first I thought it was just a couple of bags reflecting on the water, but then realised it was so many of them just dumped in the water.

"I'm absolutely gobsmacked that this sort of thing has been dumped here and it is could be so dangerous with all the dogs that walk along here and there are often deer on the hill.