COAL-ITION POLITICS

Happendon Woods are holding their Autumn Gathering 5th–10th November with info- and skill-sharing, action workshops and opportunities to get involved in the campaign and camp. The Happendon Wood Action Camp (THWAC) was occupied on September 12th to resist the destruction of the Douglas Valley by Scottish Coal and SRG Estates (see SchNEWS 739).

The camp are saying “The eviction at Mainshill was not an end but just a beginning. We’re back to finish what we started. If Scottish Coal want to obliterate what’s left of the Scottish countryside, we will obliterate them. We’re calling for affinity groups to come to the site with energy and ideas for action to destroy Scottish Coal’s plans.”

Last week (28th) an anonymous overnight action in solidarity with THWAC caused extensive damage to borehole drilling machinery at the nearby planned Glentaggart East open cast mine.
 Meanwhile, as part of what they’re calling their ‘forward strategy’, Scottish Coal have begun the process of closing the circle of open cast mines around the communities of the Douglas Valley by announcing three new open cast applications.

Get there: The camp is near junction 12 of the M74, between Carlisle and Glasgow. The nearest train stations are Lanark and Hamilton and there are frequent direct buses to near the site - call if you need a lift from station. Site mob 07806 926040 contact@coalactionscotland.org.uk http://coalactionscotland.org.uk/?page_id=1974

Not to be outdone and still holding out strong, campers at the Huntington Lane anti-open cast site (see SchNEWS 744) are urging all to join them for a weekend of action on November 12th-15th.

One camper told SchNEWS “There’s still thousands of acres of beautiful deciduous woodland around the site. We’re busy building defences and as UK Coal have set up next door it’s what you might call a target rich environment”. There’ll be free vegan food, fireside music and dogs are welcome.

Get there: The entry point is on New Works Lane, New Works, Telford, Shropshire. Nearest train station is Wellington (Telford West). Site mob 07503 583419 defendhuntingtonlane@hush.com www.defendhuntingtonlane.wordpress.com

Meanwhile at Titnore Woods (see SchNEWS 714) controversy has reared its ugly head with landowner Clem Somerset, no doubt frustrated at the utter collapse of his plans to tarmac the woods, threatening to personally chop down the trees if the victorious campers don’t leave forthwith. Does the axe-man cometh? There’s an emergency meeting to discuss the response at the camp starting at 1pm, this Sunday 7th November. Site mob 07804 245324 info@protectourwoodland.co.uk www.protectourwoodland.co.uk