Anti fracking protesters gathered at Symonds Yat Rock on Saturday, August 20th. Despite the torrential rain, there was a positive atmosphere and a high turnout, as hundreds of people from Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire came together to show they were united against the potential exploration for gas and oil in their local area.

The group were protesting against Government Licences, which have been formally issued to South Western Energy, and grants permission for them to explore for gas and oil within the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean.

Rick Guest, a Greenpeace campaigner who lives in South Herefordshire, organised the demo at Symonds Yat. On Saturday Rick took on the persona of JRR Tolkien’s Gandalf.

Rick is on a quest to take his “Don’t Frack the Shires” argument to the heart of Government. Last Wednesday, he and many other Herefordshire residents took part in a protest outside Barclay’s Bank in Hereford.

Rick and the team then began their quest to government. They walked to Hoarwithy, and from there, they canoed down the River Wye, arriving in Symonds Yat in time for Saturday’s event.

He told the Ross Gazette that he was pleased that so many people had gone to Yat Rock. He added: “Not to be a NIMBY, but it hits you when you realise it (the fracking) could be happening on your door step. And in Symonds Yat, the most beautiful, iconic spot, where the tourism industry in England started.”

The next stage of Rick’s journey will now take him through the Forest of Dean, and then to Stroud, Cirencester and on to Oxford. He aims to walk and canoe to journey, using as little fossil fuel as possible.

The aim of Rick’s quest is to end up in Downing Street, London. Rick has with him a metal ring, which he wants to take to Downing Street. This ring was once used to attach a trailer to a tractor.

Rick explained that although this ring is not made of gold, like the one in Tolkien’s novel, The Lord of the Rings, it represents Herefordshire, as it is a rural tool, and it is powerful, as it was able to carry a trailer. “It’s symbolic of the epic journey,” he commented.

On Saturday, families, friends and members of pressure groups came to Yat Rock to join Rick, to show solidarity for the cause. Small children carried signs, with messages including: “Don’t Frack Our Forest” and “Frack Off!”.

Despite the group’s strong stance against fracking, spirits were high, songs were sung and arms were linked. A pledge was signed by those who wanted to record their commitment to “defend it (the land) from oil and gas exploration, ‘fracking’ and any other toxic industry that will pollute its waters and air.”

The Herefordshire campaigners joined forces with members of the Frack Off Our Forest pressure group (FOOF) as the government licences cover areas of the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean.

Members of the Forest of Dean Green Party were also present. Jill Raymond, one of their members, told the Ross Gazette that the party are organising a public meeting in Lydney in October, which they hope will give local people more information about fracking, and exploration for gas and oil.

She explained that they hope to have a panel, comprising of five people, some who are opposed to the fracking, and some who are in favour of it, who will take it in turns to speak in a debate.

However, she told the Gazette that the Green Party have not been able to find anyone in favour of fracking, who is willing to speak at the meeting. She added that she would be very interested to hear from anyone who is pro-fracking, who would be happy to take part in the debate. If you can help, please email [email protected].