As preparations for our bus trip to Ende Gelände next week continue at a breakneck speed, some of our friends, who were foaming at the bit, are joining one of the first worldwide actions of Break Free in Wales. Reclaim the Power is going to shut down the UK’s largest opencast coal mine – Ffos-y-fran in Wales. In the days leading up to the action they were at the mass action camp: End Coal Now.

One of the Dutch participants, Rob, wrote this short blog on how it has been thus far.

“Wales is magical. The hilly countryside looks like a green sea. My tents is smack bang in the middle of the Welsh moors and wetlands. Right before the hill behind which the Ffos-y-fran mine opens up. 11 million tons of Mother Nature smothering, local nature destroying black coal crap. The weather is harsh, foggy, rainy and f*****g cold. The first night was filled with windswept lullabies.

My little tent.

My little tent.

The camp is up and running. The mood is good and strong. The men in blue are there but keep their distance. In a few days shit is going down. The destruction to the countryside is, in a strange way, impressive.

Solar charger. Where is the sun?

Solar charger. Where is the sun?

Don’t wander the moors on your own because before you know it you’re dead meat. Many dead sheep and wild horse body can you tell you about it. Or they can’t. Because they are dead. Not that they could talk in the first place. Unless of course the horse is the famous Mr. Ed. Well, you catch my drift.
Wild horses
more wild horses

I immediately fell in love with this rugged landscape. I have one leaky shoe and that kinda sucks. Anyways, we’ll keep up the spirit and wait for things to come. My famous last words would be: Keep it in the Ground! and No New Coal. Or as the Welsh say: Dim Glo Newydd.”

Dim Glo

Next week over a hundred Dutchies will go to Ende Gelände in Lusatia. There are still some spots left at the bus but you have to be quick. Check Wij Gaan Naar Ende Gelände for more info.

Anne

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