Category: South East England

South East England

Eco village occupation in Windsor this June


On Saturday 09th June, we will be walking from Syon Lane Community Allotment in West London to Windsor.  We will be camping for one night on the route. Our aim is to start a community on a piece of disused land on the Crown Estate.
We plan to grow our own food, make shelters and live sustainably: to show an alternative to our system of crisis. We call for the right for everyone to be able to use the disused land to live on, free the yoke of debt and rent.
If you share our vision, and you are willing to work to achieve it, we welcome you to join us.
Meetup Details
Meet at Syon Lane Community Allotment on Sat 09th
June from 11 a.m. We will be departing at 1 p.m sharp.
 
Bring camping equipment, warm  clothing, mug, bowl, spoon and a torch. Also please bring seeds and any useful equipment if you can.
Should you wish to meet us in Windsor, or at some other point along the journey, please call the numbers below on the day.
If  you would like to know more about this  project, please visit: www.diggers2012.wordpress.com or email  diggers2012@yahoo.co.uk
Alternatively you can call or text the following numbers: 07963 475 195 / 07905 283 114 to find  out more.

Syon Lane Community Allotment Directions and map.
Street Address: The lane adjacent to Platform 1, Syon Lane Station, Rothbury Gardens, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 5JG
Getting to the site: We are situated on the long strip of land adjacent to Platform 1 of Syon Lane Station, which is on the southern railway line coming from London Waterloo via Kew Bridge and Hounslow.
Nearest Tube: Osterley – Turn left out of the station, follow the Great West Road until you reach Syon Lane, then turn right. Then turn right down a footpath before you cross the railway bridge, it will lead you through to Rothbury Gardens, and you will see our site entrance opposite.
Nearest bus stop:London Road – Busch Corner (237/267/235) – Come up either Spur Road or Syon Lane until you reach the railway bridge. Then go onto Platform 1 and follow the footpath between two metal fences, you will see our entrance on your left.
Map link: http://g.co/maps/ga6mn

http://diggers2012.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/388997621152693/
http://london.indymedia.org/events/12282
https://twitter.com/#!/freetheland

GM wheat trial vandalised

Sunday 20 May 2012

Scientists are assessing the damage after a GM wheat trial was vandalised at the Rothamsted Research centre in Hertfordshire.

The GM trial, conducted by scientists from Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, aims to see whether transgenic wheat can repel aphids in the field.

Sunday 20 May 2012

Scientists are assessing the damage after a GM wheat trial was vandalised at the Rothamsted Research centre in Hertfordshire.

The GM trial, conducted by scientists from Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, aims to see whether transgenic wheat can repel aphids in the field.

It is understood that part of the experimental crop has been vandalised and at least one person has been arrested.

Details of the attack started to emerge in a series of tweets by Rothamsted scientist Toby Bruce on  Sunday (20 May).

“Just heard there’s been an attack on our field trial, don’t know if crops were vandalised,” he wrote. “Very sad.”

Dr Bruce is leading the transgenic wheat research project at Rothamsted.

A spokesman for Rothamsted said a statement was likely to be issued later.

The non-commercial trial is being sponsored by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

“There was one intruder who has spread wheat seed on to three of the plots, but no apparent  damage,” Dr Bruce revealed. “He has been arrested.”

Dr Bruce later added: “Oh dear, there's more: Damage to plot 7 where he has cut off the tops of quite a few of the plants and collected the material.”

It is not known at this stage who was responsible for the attack. But anti-GM activists have been planning a “mass action” against the GM trial.

The “Take the Flour Back!” website urges opponents to GM crops to meet one week later at Rothamsted, on Sunday (27 May).

It adds: “Or take your own action in your own way, at your own time. Together we can stop this trial.”

The website includes a map showing the location of the GM wheat trial.

Earlier, Rothamsted sicentists pleaded with anti-GM campaigners not to destroy the experimental plots.

An online petition to muster support for the scientists was signed by more than 5,000 people, including the actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry.

But the protest group Take The Flour Back refused to back down, vowing to “decontaminate” the site unless the research was halted.

Take the Flour Back! anti-GM wheat action 27 May – final details

‘Take the Flour Back’ will be a nice day out in the country, with picnics, music from Seize the Day and a decontamination. It’s for anyone who feels able to publically help remove this threat and those who want to show their support for them.

What to bring, action you should take before the 27th May, transport info and more info on the website – http://taketheflourback.org/

How to get there, OS map and photo of the new fence

OCCUPY OIL – THE SEQUEL

Taking place WORLDWIDE on Tuesday 22nd May 2012

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gbXnBXoTzI

#OccupyOil the Sequel: The road to SHELL is paved with bad intentions…

Taking place WORLDWIDE on Tuesday 22nd May 2012

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gbXnBXoTzI

#OccupyOil the Sequel: The road to SHELL is paved with bad intentions…

BLOODY MONEY: Tar Sands, Rossport, Niger Delta

On the 8th of Feb this year Occupy Oil held it first day of mass action.

Shell Stations across the UK and indeed further afield were blockaded or picketed. We are back and on the 22nd of May 2012 we are holding Occupy Oil the Sequel, Royal Dutch Shell will be holding their AGM in The Hague with an audio-visual link to a satellite meeting place in London.

We are calling on all occupiers, groups and individuals to come together and send a clear message to Shell.

NIGER DELTA

Shell Oil in the Niger Delta have done untold destruction, the oil giant's 2008 spills have wrecked livelihoods of 69,000 people and will take 30 years to clean up.

Guardian Article from 2011: www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/10/shell-nigerian-oil-spills-amnesty

ROSSPORT, CO MAYO, IRELAND

The Oil giant continues to destroy the community of Rossport, Co Mayo Ireland. Read more about the Shell to Sea campaign at www.shelltosea.com

TAR SANDS, CANADA

Royal Dutch Shell is one of the largest players in tar sands, producing approximately 276 000 barrels per day or roughly 20% of total exports from Alberta. Shell has put forth applications to expand its capacity through new mines and in situ projects, to a projected 770 000 barrel per day capacity. However, strong community resistance to Shell has damaged their reputation with both shareholders and the public. Indeed, Shell has been named in five lawsuits related to tar sands developments and has faced shareholder resolutions demanding greater clarity over the risk of tar sands investments.

UK Tar Sands Network: www.no-tar-sands.org

It's time to make a stand. On 22nd of May 2012 we will occupy petrol stations across the GLOBE. We call on activists to organise yourselves into affinity groups and join this action world-wide. Make banners, get sound systems and pick targets. As the date approaches we can co-ordinate actions for maximum impact. Let's send another shot in our war against the global elites.

E-MAIL: info@occupyoil.co.uk
TWITTER: @OccupyOil, hashtag #OccupyOil
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/events/230582443683609
WEB: www.occupyoil.co.uk

Take the Flour Back! Mass action against GM wheat – meetup point announced

Take the flour back!
Sunday 27th May 2012
 
Public day of action against the Rothamsted genetically modified wheat trial.
 
Meet-up point: Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts (30 mins from London by train) 12 noon on 27th May. At 1.30pm we’ll take a 20 minute stroll on public footpaths to the trial site.

Frequent trains run from London to Harpenden – the journey takes 30 mins from St Pancras. A ten minute walk from Harpenden Station gets you to the park. Directions available at the station.

Check back to our website for legal briefings nearer the time.

 
—-
 
Bakers, farmers, growers, allotment holders, scientists, beekeepers, and people who eat food are turning out to voice their opposition to GM crops coming back to the UK.
 
Meet Sunday 27th May, at 12 noon, in Rothamsted, Harpenden, Herts. Or take your own action in your own way, at your own time. Together we can stop this trial.
 
Cow genes on toast anyone? No thanks!
 
 
What's up with the trial?
 
It could be dangerous.
This trial is testing a brand-new synthetically-constructed 'fake' gene that is 'most similar to one found in a cow'. This is a concerning use of synthetic genes and of animal genes in plants.
 
It's not wanted.
Even the USA has abandoned attempts to commercialise GM wheat because there is no market for it. Biotech company BASF recently backed out of Europe because no-one wanted to buy GM food.
 
Once it flowers, it's here to stay.
The trial is happening in the open air, meaning that when it starts to flower it can cross contaminate other wheat crops and wild grasses. This is a real threat. In Canada there is no organic oilseed rape left because all the farms have been cross-contaminated with GM rapeseed.
 
For more info nearer the time, go to www.taketheflourback.org or contact us at info [AT] taketheflourback.org

Latest Updates from Protect the Wilderness & Reclaim the Fields

The Protect the Wilderness campaign attended a court hearing on Monday 5th brought by Gloucestershire County Council. This morning, the Judge gave possession to the council. An eviction is very likely in the immediate days.

The Protect the Wilderness campaign attended a court hearing on Monday 5th brought by Gloucestershire County Council. This morning, the Judge gave possession to the council. An eviction is very likely in the immediate days.

However Protect the Wilderness would like to confirm that the Reclaim the Fields Gathering happening this week will still be going ahead with a whole three days of workshops, activities and actions as previously advertised.

For anyone attending:

    *You will be fed, warm, comfortable & inspired!
    *You will be able to camp safely in the forest, please bring a tent & bedding if possible otherwise there is a large communal yurt provided with bedding & blankets available
    *There will be enough food for everyone
    *There will be a fire-pit & warm spaces to be

And finally, you will be free to choose your involvement with the eviction & any solidarity needed with the Wilderness Centre. There are safe spaces as well as opportunities to become involved in defending the space – it is completely your choice! This is a great chance to learn about your rights and see the results of our work here at the wilderness centre.

So please join Protect the Wilderness & Reclaim the Fields in celebrating our shared struggles for accessing land to grow food for our communities & to live land-based lives.

As a reminder, here is a taster of what will be happening the next few days:

     *Introductions to land rights, Reclaim the Fields UK & European constellations, Seed Sovereignty, WWOLF (woofing with teeth) and Reclaim the Field Trips
    *Workshops including composting gender, occupying land, protecting bee populations, food sovereignty and more.
    *Skillshares, guerrilla gardening, music & feasting!

For more information about the gathering please see:
http://www.reclaimthefields.org.uk/spring-gathering-2012/

More info about the Wilderness Centre: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protect-the-Wilderness-Centre-Forest-of-Dean/321890141176064

Who to contact if needed: 07811 726 372

Directions: Bus/train to Gloucester then get the 24/24a to Mitcheldean (takes about 30 mins) get off when you see the church (near the hairdressers) and ask someone for directions or notice other RTFers. Otherwise call the number above & you will be collected.

Resistance is Fertile!

Take the Flour Back – a mass action against Genetically Modified wheat

Take the flour back!
Sunday 27th May 2012

Public day of action against the Rothamsted genetically modified wheat trial.

 

Take the flour back!
Sunday 27th May 2012

Public day of action against the Rothamsted genetically modified wheat trial.

 

Bakers, farmers, growers, allotment holders, scientists, beekeepers, and people who eat food are turning out to voice their opposition to GM crops coming back to the UK.
Meet Sunday 27th May, at 12 noon, in Rothamsted, Harpenden, Herts. Or take your own action in your own way, at your own time. Together we can stop this trial.

Cow genes on toast anyone? No thanks!

What's up with the trial?

It could be dangerous

This trial is testing a brand-new synthetically-constructed 'fake' gene that is 'most similar to one found in a cow'. This is the first use of synthetic genes in the UK, and a concerning use of animal genes in plants.

It's not wanted

Even America has abandoned attempts to commercialise GM wheat because there is no market for it. Biotech company BASF recently backed out of Europe because no-one wanted to buy GM food.

Once it flowers, it's here to stay

The trial is happening in the open air, meaning that when it starts to flower it can cross contaminate other wheat crops and wild grasses. This is a real threat. In Canada there is no organic oilseed rape left because all the farms have been cross-contaminated with GM rape.

Reclaim the Fields Spring Gathering 2012 – details & updates

@ The Wilderness Centre, Mitcheldean, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0HA

The first Reclaim the Fields Gathering of the year will be taking place this March at the Wilderness Centre in the Forest of Dean.

Pre-Gathering Help needed:

@ The Wilderness Centre, Mitcheldean, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0HA

The first Reclaim the Fields Gathering of the year will be taking place this March at the Wilderness Centre in the Forest of Dean.

Pre-Gathering Help needed:

Anyone interested in helping out with the running/ setting up of the event, should come to the Wilderness asap. If you're interested in giving a talk, or demonstrating a skill – get in contact, or just show up and arrange to use one of the "spaces" available with one of the Protect The Wilderness Crew.

The provisional timetable includes:

Thursday 8th:

*Introduction to Reclaim the Fields – where we've come from and recent action, including feedback from the European Gathering.
* Wilderness Centre introduction & housekeeping
*Open Introductions; introduce your self & your projects & continue networking with our noticeboard

The remainder of the day is designed around open spaces, giving people a chance to work & communicate around these suggestions so far:

*WWOLF (woofing with teeth) and Reclaim the Field Trips
*Seed Sovereignty & grower-to-grower seed distribution networks
*Carrots session e.g. RTF internal structure/sharing workloads
*Using the food sovereignty principles as a strategic framework – (in a UK context)
*How to organise & maintain effective land occupations
*Composting gender
*Planning for International Peasants Day of Struggle on April 17th
*Legal options for accessing land
*Protecting bee populations

Friday 9th:

*Session on general Reclaim the Fields strategy and focuses for 2012
Workshops and talks:
*An introduction to land rights
*History of Land rights struggles in the Forest of Dean

Followed by a consensus based guerilla gardening action… remains open to suggestions!
(ideas so far…)
*Food forest, in an abandoned quarry
*Care home for the elderly
* Clear-felled Forestry land
* Victorian walled garden

Saturday 10th:

Protect The Wilderness open skill-share day!
Seed swap, Community bring and share.
Gardening the organic community garden, and walled garden.
Music and feasting!

Not forgetting gardening, charcoal burning, baking in the cob oven, seedbomb making, cobbing the round-house, and chopping wood through-out!

£5 suggested donation per day, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Items to bring:
Warm clothes, two sets (if you mind being muddy)
bedding, camping mats
tools for g-gardening [spades, forks, mattocks, billhooks]
Instruments, dancing shoes,
seeds for seedbombs,
home-grown veg, pickles, jams, whole foods

More info about the Wilderness Centre: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protect-the-Wilderness-Centre-Forest-of-Dean/321890141176064
Who to contact for more information: use the RTF UK email list or email frankynecklace@yahoo.co.uk

Gourds work be done,

Protect The Wilderness,
Reclaim the Fields!

Reclaim the Fields Spring Gathering 2012

The first Reclaim the Fields Gathering of the year will be taking place this March at the Wilderness Centre in the Forest of Dean.

The provisional timetable includes workshops on:

The first Reclaim the Fields Gathering of the year will be taking place this March at the Wilderness Centre in the Forest of Dean.

The provisional timetable includes workshops on:

*How to organise & maintain effective land occupations
*An introduction to land rights
*Composting gender
*Legal options for accessing land
*Learning from Peasant Struggles in the Global South
*Using the food sovereignty principles as a strategic framework

There will also be feedback from the European Reclaim the Field Gatherings & constellation as well as space for working group sessions around:

*Seed Sovereignty
*WWOLF (woofing with teeth) and Reclaim the Field Trips
*Planning for International Peasants Day of Struggle on April 17th

Some guerrilla-gardening type actions are also planned throughout. Saturday 10th is the Wilderness Centre's public open day so there will also be practical skills-sharing workshops.

When: Accommodation is available from the evening of Wednesday 7th. Otherwise the gathering is two full days Thursday & Friday 8-9th March. The Forest always welcomes visitors so arrange with them if you want to stay & help out before hand.
Where: Wilderness Centre, Forest of Dean. Directions are here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protect-the-Wilderness-Centre-Forest-of-Dean/321890141176064
Who to contact for more information: use the RTF UK email list or email frankynecklace@yahoo.co.uk

What to bring: Sleeping bags, blankets, mats, own set of cutlery & bowl if possible. There is indoor sleeping space and room for tents outside. Any home grown food to share & also seeds to swap.

Food will be a minimum of £5 donation per day. Any other donations are welcome

More suggestions for workshops, sessions & other activities are always welcome, this is our constellation & gathering to make things happen.

About:

Reclaim the Fields is a constellation of people and collective projects willing to go back to the land and reassume the control over food production. We are determined to create alternatives to capitalism through cooperative, collective, autonomous, real needs oriented small scale production and initiatives, putting theory into practice and linking local practical action with global political struggles.
You can find more about us, our struggles & more resources such as downloadable zines here: www.reclaimthefields.org.uk

Winter Warm-up round-up – Fuel Poverty Action protests

Friday update: an exciting start to the Fuel Poverty Action Weekend of Winter Warm-ups…Hundreds of people across the country came out of their cold homes to get warm at the buildings of institutions that have a hand in creating fuel poverty, to challenge the Big Six’s monopoly and the government’s complicity.  London – Leeds – Swindon – Manchester:

Friday update: an exciting start to the Fuel Poverty Action Weekend of Winter Warm-ups…Hundreds of people across the country came out of their cold homes to get warm at the buildings of institutions that have a hand in creating fuel poverty, to challenge the Big Six’s monopoly and the government’s complicity.  London – Leeds – Swindon – Manchester: read more

Saturday update: Cambridge

Monday update: six activists have barricaded themselves into meeting rooms on two floors of British Gas offices in Staines, Middlesex, as part of the ‘Winter Warm-Up’ weekend called by the campaign group Fuel Poverty Action. British Gas is being targeted as one of the Big Six energy companies making profits out of rising energy bills.  Read more. 

Update – faced with a threatening police presence, the occupiers of the British Gas offices have now decided to leave on their own terms.