Fracking at Sherwood unites new rebel band
Campaigners fear a Swiss-based petro-chemical company could sink up to 500 wells in the area famed for Robin Hood and his band of merry men. After fracking was given the go-ahead near Kirby Misperton in North Yorkshire, opponents of shale gas extraction are wondering, “Where’s next?”
A prime candidate is Sherwood Forest, among several huge areas licensed to Ineos for shale gas extraction by the Government. Exploration work could begin within the next 12 months. Although the ancient woodland around Robin Hood’s Major Oak is protected from surface activities under new laws, fracking is allowed, as long as drilling is done outside its borders.
A group has been formed to fight the plans, while Ineos has held public meetings in a bid to calm fears. Greg Hewitt, of Frack Free Nottinghamshire, said: “Robin Hood would have defended Sherwood Forest. So must the people of Nottinghamshire.”