A CAMPAIGNING commoner is kicking up a stink after being told to remove a dung pile in the New Forest.

Bob Cooper has fallen foul of English Nature over a huge heap of rotting waste near his home at Acres Down Farm, Minstead.

Wildlife watchdogs have accused Mr Cooper of polluting a site of special scientific interest.

However, the former solicitor is refusing to clean up his act and remove the offending mound of manure. He said: "I can't move it at the moment because robins are nesting there - and as far as I'm concerned it's staying put even after they've gone."

Controversy surrounding the pungent pile was given an airing at the monthly Court of Verderers session in Lyndhurst.

Mr Cooper told the court: "I've been informed that my dung heap is damaging to the special habitats for which the Forest is famous. Officers employed by English Nature are highly qualified but wholly inexperienced in Forest ways.

"It's an ancillary right of commoners to place their animals' straw and manure on the commons, and has been so since the time of William the Conqueror.

"Perhaps the court will tell English Nature about New Forest life as it really is."

Diane Westerhoff, English Nature's New Forest conservation officer, said: "We're not aware of any right that allows storage of manure and straw on commons. Indeed, such a practice can be very damaging to the special habitats for which the Forest is so highly regarded. It's usual for such material to be stored on the owner's own holding unless otherwise agreed."

The dung debate is Mr Cooper's latest brush with authority.

He has represented Minstead Manor Commoners on a wide range of issues, including the administrative set-up of the proposed New Forest National Park.