Druridge Bay Fighting the coal mine

Druridge Bay view from above

The stunning dunes and beaches of Druridge Bay stretch for miles along the Northumberland 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

What lies beneath

In October 2015, Banks Mining tables a proposal. It plans to dig England’s largest opencast coal mine in the picturesque surroundings of the bay.

The proposed Highthorn mine conjures up ugly images of the neighbouring Shotton mine (pictured).

Burning coal is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. It causes air pollution and is linked to health concerns like asthma.

Mining coal leads to habitat and wildlife loss and marred landscapes.

Diggers and other heavy vehicles at Shotton opencast coal mine in Northumberland
Campaigners from Save Druridge Bay

Save Druridge

It's causing huge concern among local residents. A small group of them form Save Druridge.

They don't know it yet, but this fight will go down to the wire. Right now though, there's bad news.

Despite growing local opposition, in July 2016, Northumberland County Council approves the plans. It's barely half a year since the UK signed up to the Paris Agreement, pledging to tackle climate change.

Campaigners from Save Druridge Bay
Children riding on Druridge Bay beach

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

Teaming up with Save Druridge, we force the government to intervene.

Together we present evidence at a public inquiry. Friends of the Earth calls on then Secretary of State, Sajid Javid, to throw out the proposal in the name of tackling climate change.

The planning inspector reports back. They recommend approving the mine if our power stations can use the coal.

Play the video to watch the story up to now.

Graphic of hand holding a quill with the words SIGN OUR PETITION in capital letters

The first in the UK

Friends of the Earth's supporters ramp up the pressure on the Secretary of State. We deliver a letter representing almost 20,000 of them, urging him to protect the climate.

The government confirms its plans to phase out coal by 2025. And then it happens...

Javid rejects the coalmine over “adverse effect on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change”. It's the first ever UK coal mine to be rejected because of climate change.

Graphic of hand holding a quill with the words SIGN OUR PETITION in capital letters
Duncan Lawrence from Save Druridge

Celebrations cut short

Banks Mining challenges the ruling in the High Court and wins. The government has to decide all over again.

It's bitterly disappointing, especially for residents like local café owner, Duncan Lawrence:

"Following that initial moment I was ringing people and telling them that we’d won. It was a great feeling of elation and relief that it was over – or so we thought."

Duncan Lawrence from Save Druridge
Ummi with her friend holding up a banner that reads "Save our planet" at the Youth Climate Strike in London, March 2019.

But the world was changing

As the clock ticked, external events began to strengthen our case.

A slow-burn campaign might not capture the imagination in the same way as the latest Tesla, but delaying can ultimately mean winning if politics change.

The youth climate strikes, David Attenborough's documentaries and global climate talks were all heaping more pressure on ministers to reject polluting projects.

And then a breakthrough...

Ummi with her friend holding up a banner that reads "Save our planet" at the Youth Climate Strike in London, March 2019.
Hand holding a ticking clock

Big turning point

A Friend of the Earth investigation reveals the UK has already dug up more coal than it will be able to burn.

UK power stations have enough stock-piled coal to last until 2025 – beyond the government's planned phase out.

Think back to the the planning inspector's recommendation for approving the mine. It was on the basis of using the coal for generating power. Our study shows there is simply no demand.

Hand holding a ticking clock
Druridge Bay view from above

A huge win

After over a year's worth of delays, and over half a decade of campaigning, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick rejects the mine.

And this time there will be no appeal by Banks Mining.

Mr Jenrick found the proposal to be “not environmentally acceptable”.

Druridge Bay view from above
Wind turbine on moorland

New beginning

"I was up till 2 o’clock every morning working on the campaign. It doesn’t matter how big a company or how strong a county council is – a small group of individuals can defeat them."

Duncan Lawrence, local café owner and member of Save Druridge.

“Let’s leave coal in the ground where it belongs, and invest in energy saving and renewable power to build the safe, clean and fairer future we so urgently need."

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Tony Bosworth.

Wind turbine on moorland

Key moments