Category: Wilderness Defence

Wilderness defence

Take Action Against Illegal Tree Felling in Liverpool!

Langtree McLean are currently cutting their way through trees at the former Garden Festival site in Liverpool, even though they don’t have planning permission yet and they don’t own the site yet! If they get their way, the site will be almost completely clear-felled!

woodchipper at site in LiverpoolLangtree McLean are currently cutting their way through trees at the former Garden Festival site in Liverpool, even though they don’t have planning permission yet and they don’t own the site yet! If they get their way, the site will be almost completely clear-felled!

They are destroying semi-mature trees, including oaks, from the original plantings for the Garden Festival in the early 1980s. The tree-felling is also devastating for the birdlife established on the site, as birds commence their breeding activities at this time of year.

At a meeting this Sunday 26th March, concerned people will be able to discuss resistance strategies. Meet 2pm at the Old Police Station on Lark Lane. Visit http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=337249&Y=387623&A=Y&Z=1 for directions.

Camp Titnore needs your help!

Camp Titnore near Worthing in Sussex could do with some committed campaigners to come and lend a hand. Coming up to a year in residence (May 28) the camp could do with some new blood. Be part of group aiming to stop Tescos and other scum-bags trash one of the last remaining ancient woodlands on the Sussex coastal plain.

Camp Titnore near Worthing in Sussex could do with some committed campaigners to come and lend a hand. Coming up to a year in residence (May 28) the camp could do with some new blood. Be part of group aiming to stop Tescos and other scum-bags trash one of the last remaining ancient woodlands on the Sussex coastal plain.

We could do with some new camp members down Titnore way. This is a very well defended site, but veteran anti-road campaigners as well as new blood would be really welcome. With summer round the corner this is a beautiful part of the country and the camp benefits from a well organised support group in the nearby estate, Worthing and Brighton. The forest eco-system, plus lake is threatened by 850 homes, a new Tescos and attached business units. An eviction order has been in place since November, but as development plans are stalled, an actual attempted eviction could be months further down the line.

http://www.protectourwoodland.co.uk

Demonstration and Carnival against the Pipeline- Saturday 24th March, Trebanos

As part of the ongoing campaign against the proposed 150 mile liquefied natural gas pipeline running through South Wales at a dangerously high pressure, there will be march through the affected village of Trebanos, followed by a rally at Trebanos RFC clubhouse.

Stop LNG pipeline bannerAs part of the ongoing campaign against the proposed 150 mile liquefied natural gas pipeline running through South Wales at a dangerously high pressure, there will be march through the affected village of Trebanos, followed by a rally at Trebanos RFC clubhouse.

We invite anyone who wishes to express their concern at the environmental impact and safety considerations of this development, or who wishes to show solidarity with the people who’s lives are being affected by it.

Meet 2pm at the Lidl Carpark in Pontardawe to LEAVE FROM THE BOTTOM OF GLYNMEIRCH ROAD AT 2:30PM

Please bring banners, music, colour, flags, fancy dress, friends, family and pets.

For more info check out:
http://www.fightthepipe.co.uk
http://www.safehavenpembs.co.uk
http://www.risingtide.org.uk/bristol/pipeline

There will be a minibus from Cardiff, taking people directly to the start of the march.

Times from car park at the rear of Cardiff Central train station: 10.00 am & 12.00 noon.
Times from Trebanos RFC clubhouse to Cardiff Central: 4.00 pm & 6.00 pm

Tickets for a return journey are £5. Please contact Amy on 07828671422 or email neverwork@riseup.net to book your place on the minibus.

Please note: there is a limited number of places so please make sure your place in secured by no later than Tuesday 20th. If money is a problem for you, we still may be able to find you space – get in touch!
http://www.fightthepipe.co.uk

Week of Iceland Actions in the Low Countries

16.03.2007
This morning, Saving Iceland and the Dutch/Belgian environmentalist network GroenFront! built a dam blockading the entrance of the Icelandic Embassy in Brussels (photo-report). Earlier this week, a picketline was held at the Icelandic Consulate in Rotterdam and the folk singer Armand, the “Dutch Bob Dylan”, performed songs of praise to Icelandic nature. Last night, EarthFirst! closed down both ALCOA’s Dutch head office in Drunen and an ALCOA factory in Kerkrade, the Netherlands in opposition to heavy industry. The actions this week express growing international concern on the plans for expansion of the aluminium industry and megahydro in Iceland and other countries such as Trinidad and Brazil.

16.03.2007
This morning, Saving Iceland and the Dutch/Belgian environmentalist network GroenFront! built a dam blockading the entrance of the Icelandic Embassy in Brussels (photo-report). Earlier this week, a picketline was held at the Icelandic Consulate in Rotterdam and the folk singer Armand, the “Dutch Bob Dylan”, performed songs of praise to Icelandic nature. Last night, EarthFirst! closed down both ALCOA’s Dutch head office in Drunen and an ALCOA factory in Kerkrade, the Netherlands in opposition to heavy industry. The actions this week express growing international concern on the plans for expansion of the aluminium industry and megahydro in Iceland and other countries such as Trinidad and Brazil.

http://www.savingiceland.org/node/694

Earth First! Shut Down Aluminum Giant ALCOA in The Netherlands

Last night “Earth First!” closed Alcoa’s headquarters in Drunen, the Netherlands. Alcoa’s largest dutch factory in Kerkrade was also shut. Entrance gates were locked with chains. The gates’locks themselves were sabotaged with a liquid.
Alcoa is constructing new aluminum smelters in Iceland. Alcoa also plans to build new smelters in Trinidad and in the Amazon. There is fierce local and international opposition to these plans. Effects on nature and climate are devastating. Various planned smelters would be powered by constructing new megadams that would flood large areas of unique wilderness.

Last night “Earth First!” closed Alcoa’s headquarters in Drunen, the Netherlands. Alcoa’s largest dutch factory in Kerkrade was also shut. Entrance gates were locked with chains. The gates’locks themselves were sabotaged with a liquid.
Alcoa is constructing new aluminum smelters in Iceland. Alcoa also plans to build new smelters in Trinidad and in the Amazon. There is fierce local and international opposition to these plans. Effects on nature and climate are devastating. Various planned smelters would be powered by constructing new megadams that would flood large areas of unique wilderness.

With this action, we are declaring our solidarity with the Saving Iceland campaign. Saving Iceland has called out for an international week of action against heavy industry. This action has been done in response to that call.

Earth First! in Belgium and the Netherlands is also called Groen Front!.
Earth First! is not an organisation but an international banner for direct action.

NO COMPROMISE IN DEFENCE OF MOTHER EARTH!

(Source of this report:
https://prod.indymedia.nl/nl/2007/03/43107.shtml)

Also relevant:
http://www.groenfront.nl
http://www.savingiceland.org

Climate Camp Meeting this weekend in Bristol, and Film

Last year saw 600 people gather in the shadow of Drax Power Station for the ten day Camp For Climate Action. This weekend in Bristol is the next national planning meeting, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March. The venue is Barton Hill Settlement which is 5 min from Lawrence Hill Station.

Last year saw 600 people gather in the shadow of Drax Power Station for the ten day Camp For Climate Action. This weekend in Bristol is the next national planning meeting, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March. The venue is Barton Hill Settlement which is 5 min from Lawrence Hill Station.

Any questions, suggestions or proposals for the meeting can be sent to gatherings [at] climatecamp.org.uk.

Last years camp was captured on video and turned into a documentary by Cine Rebalde called Reclaim Power. Copies are now available on DVD in this country from Rising Tide and local groups working towards this years climate camp.

Those in London can check out the climate camp film as part of two evenings of climate chaos related films at the rampART social centre (see http://rampart.co.nr for details). Also showing is the epic documentary The Planet, plus Global Dimming and The Denial Machine. Additionally there will be speakers and info.

More info on film at http://www.cinerebelde.org/site.php3?id_rubrique=22&lang=en
More info on camp for climate action at http://climatecamp.org.uk

On The Ground, Ireland: New Cops, New Violence Parts One & Two

Monday morning, 12 March 2007, saw the transfer of a new contingent of guards to police the Shell gas terminal refinery construction site at Bellanaboy, County Mayo, North West Ireland.

Video 120307_New_Cops – video/x-ms-wmv 12M

Monday morning, 12 March 2007, saw the transfer of a new contingent of guards to police the Shell gas terminal refinery construction site at Bellanaboy, County Mayo, North West Ireland.

Video 120307_New_Cops – video/x-ms-wmv 12M

Several protestors, both young and old, stepped in the road to peacefully blockade trucks and buses going into the site. The guards immediately jumped on them with increasing violence, ending in all out unprovoked attacks.

Many of the new guards are listed as “U” on their lapels. This journalist was informed by a local this means the guards have been drafted in from Dublin.

Officer U235 was the guard who drop-kicked the young man at the end of the video.

—–

Tuesday 13 March, the second day of new guards at the Shell Gas Terminal construction site at Bellanaboy, County Mayo, North West Ireland, again saw police violence escalate further.

Video 130307_New_Cops_P2 – video/x-ms-wmv 14M

One protestor attempted to block a bus carrying Shell workers into the site.

In response the guards attacked everyone, knocking Mary, wife of Rossport Five Willie Corduff, to the ground. People suffered various attacks from shoves, punches, kicks and grabs to the throat, including this journalist.

Again the main aggressor was guard U235, who was the hand that pushed Mary and instigated a second attack on an elderly gentlema, who was thrown to the ground with a specific martial arts leg sweep. The man fell back hitting his head and his glasses were broken. Luckily he sustained no serious injury.

Titnore tree protest camp appeals for help (& audio report)

SPRING is in the air, the birds are singing in the trees and Titnore Woods in Sussex is once again a lovely place to be…

With the end of a tough winter, the protest camp near Worthing has today appealed for help in a spring offensive aimed at making sure it is in fighting fit shape as its first anniversary and another rebel summer approach.

SPRING is in the air, the birds are singing in the trees and Titnore Woods in Sussex is once again a lovely place to be…

With the end of a tough winter, the protest camp near Worthing has today appealed for help in a spring offensive aimed at making sure it is in fighting fit shape as its first anniversary and another rebel summer approach.

It was set up in May last year to oppose plans for a 875-home estate, access roads and new Tesco megastore on ancient woodland and green fields in West Durrington.

Top of the wishlist at the moment are pallets, long support beams for treehouses, climbing equipment (not harnesses) and climbing rope. Also someone with a van or similar vehicle who would be able to help clear away rubbish from the site.

Most of all, of course, there is a plea for more people! Whether you can spare five minutes, five hours, five days, five weeks or five months, your physical presence in any supportive capacity is always appreciated.

Why not get down there yourself and discover the kind of environmental direct action that they thought had gone out of fashion after Newbury?

The camp is in woods just north of “Somerset Lake”, a fishing lake east of Titnore Lane. However, Titnore Lane is very dangerous for pedestrians and easiest access is from Fulbeck Avenue, off Titnore Way. Take the path at the far east of Fulbeck Avenue, then turn left until there is a large gap in the hedgerow on the left, opposite a cleared square of ground on the right, and cross right over to the far side of the field, keeping the clump of trees to your left.

It can also be reached via the car park at Tesco’s in Durrington, served by the “Pulse” bus route from Worthing town centre. Basically head straight on from the entrance to the fields at the back end of the supermarket car park, reaching the gap in the hedgerow mentioned above.

Nearest railway stations are Durrington and Goring by Sea on the main South Coast line with direct trains from Brighton, Portsmouth and London.

There is a camp phone – 0780 4245324.

More info: www.eco-action.org/porkbolter
www.protectourwoodland.co.uk

Indymedia Global Report article on Titnore – mp3 5.5M
a piece about the camp made for the Indymedia radio show

Call for workshops at the Earth First! Summer Gathering 2007

This year’s gathering is from 18 – 22 July in Norfolk, near a mainline railway station.

The focus is on practical skills, but there will also be many of the regular diverse and interesting workshops.

EF! summer gathering 2007 logoThis year’s gathering is from 18 – 22 July in Norfolk, near a mainline railway station.

The focus is on practical skills, but there will also be many of the regular diverse and interesting workshops.

The idea is to have multiple workshop sessions, e.g. four two-hour slots spread over four days building up skills in a particular area, so people can learn the basic skills to actually do the job at other mobilisations, events like the climate camp – or wherever. For example plumbing, electrical skills, medics…and whatever else people want to do… It’s not just about the practical skills but also about getting to know each other and starting to work together.

If you would like to offer a workshop please write to:
martinshaw64@riseup.net

Thanks – the EF! summer gathering collecting
General contact details etc at http://www.earthfirstgathering.org.uk/

please forward to people you think would be interested.

Radley Lakes: Join the protest march on legs and cycles on 10 March

Join a Cycle Ride and March to Say No to NPower’s “Criminal Damage” to Radley Lakes on Saturday 10 March

Repost from Live Journal:

You are invited to join cyclists from across Oxfordshire in a bicycle ride in support of the campaign to “Save Radley Lakes” next Saturday. Cyclists in Oxford are invited to congregate in Broad Street, Oxford City (OX1 3AS) outside the Oxford Campus Store, at 12.45pm on Saturday 10th March, 2007, while walkers from Abingdon and Didcot are invited to congregate at 1.10pm in Abbey Meadow (OX14 3JE) in Abingdon to hear speakers, then walk to Thrupp Lake. The cyclists will proceed toward Radley Lakes, with bells, whistles and banners, coinciding with a march by Save Radley Lakes the same day at Thrupp Lake at 1.55pm.

Join a Cycle Ride and March to Say No to NPower’s “Criminal Damage” to Radley Lakes on Saturday 10 March

Repost from Live Journal:

You are invited to join cyclists from across Oxfordshire in a bicycle ride in support of the campaign to “Save Radley Lakes” next Saturday. Cyclists in Oxford are invited to congregate in Broad Street, Oxford City (OX1 3AS) outside the Oxford Campus Store, at 12.45pm on Saturday 10th March, 2007, while walkers from Abingdon and Didcot are invited to congregate at 1.10pm in Abbey Meadow (OX14 3JE) in Abingdon to hear speakers, then walk to Thrupp Lake. The cyclists will proceed toward Radley Lakes, with bells, whistles and banners, coinciding with a march by Save Radley Lakes the same day at Thrupp Lake at 1.55pm.

Everyone is welcome to join the cycle ride as a planned show of support for the campaign, and the ride will end at the lakes. Bring bells, whistles and banners if you can.

The ride will take place at a leisurely pace. Radley Lakes have been used by Oxonians for over 30 years as a leisure site to walk, cycle and enjoy the environment. Npower has filled all the lakes east of the railway with ash, and now it wants to destroy the remainder in the same way, completely destroying habitat for many species of birds, fish, animal, and plant. News of the cycle ride is being broadcast to Cyclox, Critical Mass, Sustrans, CTC, and of course Save Radley Lakes. Cyclists are angry that the Npower’s damage to the lakes will also ruin the beautiful views of the lake environment on the Sustrans cycle route than runs between two of the lakes, and there are reports that Npower’s site workers are already taking liberties with the cyclists “right of way” blocking the path to cyclists.

An experienced cyclist will lead the ride along an official cycle route from Oxford to Thrupp Lake (distance 5 miles). Feel free to forward this message to people or groups who you think might be interested, or email jon.rees@gmail.com Please send me an SMS on 07970 893371 if you intend to join us.

See you Saturday

Route: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/webfiles/leaflets/Hanson%20Way.pdf