The stunning dunes and beaches of Druridge Bay stretch for miles along the Northhumberland coastline.
Fringed by woodlands and meadows, the bay's rich habitats are home to precious species such as skylarks, lapwings and curlews.
It's the pride of the local people, and a hotspot for walkers, sightseers, surfers and nature lovers.
Another group has become fixated with the surroundings. But these people don't treasure the landscape. They dig for their treasure.
![Diggers and other heavy vehicles at Shotton opencast coal mine in Northumberland](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/shotton-coal-mine.jpg?h=6eb229a4&itok=fZsodehV)
What lies beneath
![Diggers and other heavy vehicles at Shotton opencast coal mine in Northumberland](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/shotton-coal-mine.jpg?h=6eb229a4&itok=fZsodehV)
![Campaigners from Save Druridge Bay](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/FB_IMG_1526382916881_0.jpg?itok=QEoQJSMV)
Save Druridge
![Campaigners from Save Druridge Bay](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/FB_IMG_1526382916881_0.jpg?itok=QEoQJSMV)
I think people feel disbelief. How can you put something which scars the land so badly on such a beautiful place?
Stephen, local resident
In the name of climate change
![Graphic of hand holding a quill with the words SIGN OUR PETITION in capital letters](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/microfibers_petition_2.jpg?h=de1fe46d&itok=AH00X2qA)
The first in the UK
![Graphic of hand holding a quill with the words SIGN OUR PETITION in capital letters](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/microfibers_petition_2.jpg?h=de1fe46d&itok=AH00X2qA)
![Duncan Lawrence from Save Druridge](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/DSC_7466_1.jpg?itok=-aNESXWp)
Celebrations cut short
![Duncan Lawrence from Save Druridge](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/DSC_7466_1.jpg?itok=-aNESXWp)
![Ummi with her friend holding up a banner that reads "Save our planet" at the Youth Climate Strike in London, March 2019.](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/youth-climate-strikes-ummi.jpg?h=6eb229a4&itok=sqlcjCsb)
But the world was changing
![Ummi with her friend holding up a banner that reads "Save our planet" at the Youth Climate Strike in London, March 2019.](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/youth-climate-strikes-ummi.jpg?h=6eb229a4&itok=sqlcjCsb)
![Hand holding a ticking clock](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/CLIMATE_PETITION_1_1_00000.png?h=b68ac132&itok=T-7PQpio)
Big turning point
![Hand holding a ticking clock](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/CLIMATE_PETITION_1_1_00000.png?h=b68ac132&itok=T-7PQpio)
![Druridge Bay view from above](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/Druridge-Bay-crop.jpg?itok=8qKsa53N)
A huge win
![Druridge Bay view from above](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/Druridge-Bay-crop.jpg?itok=8qKsa53N)
![Wind turbine on moorland](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/wind-turbines.jpg?h=3bc46872&itok=J-Jf8QzY)
New beginning
![Wind turbine on moorland](https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/wind-turbines.jpg?h=3bc46872&itok=J-Jf8QzY)