Druridge Bay dunes

Focus: Druridge Bay Fighting the coal mine

Despite having only 12 years to prevent runaway climate change, plans for an opencast coal mine continue to cast a shadow over the Northumberland coast.

Last year the government rejected the proposed mine because of climate change. But the mining company challenged the decision – forcing the government to reconsider its application.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire is about to decide whether to approve the application. If it goes ahead, millions of tonnes of coal would be extracted and burned. This would be a disaster for the climate and the local community.

Now’s our chance to stop the coal mine by showing the strength of public support for tackling climate change.

Sign our petition and tell the minister to end the era of coal.

Children riding on Druridge Bay beach

Where is Druridge Bay?

Druridge Bay is a beautiful 7-mile stretch of white-sand beaches on England's north-east coast.

From the harbour town of Amble in the north, to Cresswell in the south, the area boasts rock pools, woodland and grassland habitats.

It's a popular local walking spot, and is famous for an annual skinny-dip dawn bathing event.

Children riding on Druridge Bay beach
Quarry lorries move materials around the Ffos-Y-Fran opencast coal mine on November 17, 2009 in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Banks Mining proposes a coal mine

In 2013 Banks Mining applied to dig England's largest opencast coal mine at Druridge Bay.

In energy terms, 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.

Quarry lorries move materials around the Ffos-Y-Fran opencast coal mine on November 17, 2009 in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
Campaigners from Save Druridge

Locals strike back with our help

Over 10,000 people supported a campaign by Friends of the Earth and community group Save Druridge, pressuring the government to act.

In March 2018 Minister Sajid Javid rejected plans for the coal mine – stating it would have an “adverse effect on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change”.

Now it's up to Mr Javid’s successor James Brokenshire to accept or refuse planning permission. We're determined to win the argument again for the people, the climate and the wildlife.

Campaigners from Save Druridge

Tell the government to protect the climate from coal

Sign the petition