[pagan-magik] Earth First Gathering report

[Adrian Harris]

Hi,
just back from the Earth First Summer Gathering, and as usual it was
educational, empowering, inspiring and fun! More confirmation - as if I
needed it - that we are at the most incredible moment in history. Various
actions and upcoming events, some of which I won't post for obvious
reasons. More as appropriate or contact local groups.

More generally:
There were a few Pagan activists there - notably from Nottingham and
Suffolk if anyone in those areas wants to link up. I'm planning to leaflet
the camp next year and suggest we create something punchy to let activists
know what Paganism is and why it might be worth getting involved with it.

I ran a workshop and ritual there last year and several people said they'd
enjoyed it. I didn't do one this year, but maybe next.

Actions and events:
Iceland update - the Iceland protest camp will soon close for the winter,
but is expected to re-open next June/July. I'll update the Dragon site with
latest news this week. UK based actions are proposed. Details as I get
them/plan them ;-)

Roads and Airports:
The Government is planning masses of new roads - 4000 km of them! Of the
climate change that comes from transport, 80% is due to cars. The
Government doesn't want bad publicity about this, so they are vulnerable
here. There are road protests across the country - almost certainly one
near you! See Road Block web site for details: www.roadblock.org.uk

Air traffic is growing, and will make a big impact on climate change. Plus
airports will want to expand. More on actions later...

Freedom to Protest:
We discussed the increasing legal pressure on the freedom to protest. There
is a free conference in London on 23rd October (day after the Anarchist
book fair) to explore the way forward. I have some leaflets available. See
www.freedomtoprotest.org.uk

Climate Change:
I have copies of a free cartoon style booklet on climate change. Quite
likely to tell you more than you really want to know, but ignorance won't
be bliss if we don't do something soon...

Nine Ladies:
We visited the Nine Ladies camp which is pretty amazing: 15 or 20 tree
houses and surface dwellings, tunnels and tree walkways. They are very
happy to see visitors and you can stay as long as you like. It's in the
woods near the stone circle with amazing views so worth a look. For the
time being the  site is safe, but just how safe the site is long term seems
uncertain. The quarry company hasn't given up the idea of blasting out rock
in the area and legal wrangling will be ongoing for a while yet.

G8 2006:
G8 2006 will be in Russia, and plans are afoot! Nothing definite yet, but a
VERY exciting plan was discussed. All I can say now is keep next Summer
flexible - If this comes off it will be amazing ;-))

Earth First will probably have a Winter moot somewhere - again, details as
I get them.

Blessings,
Adrian




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