HS2 protesters evicted from Great Missenden, as structures block entrances in Denham

The 8-10ft structures were put up this morning to stop construction work at the site.

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 9th Oct 2020
Last updated 9th Oct 2020

Campaigner across Buckinghamshire and nearby Hertfordshire are continuing their work.

After just over a week of evictions at Jones Hill Wood near Great Missenden, its been confirmed the final treehouse has been emptied.

Early in the morning last Thursday security, along with police, entered the site and began removing protesters.

Speaking to GHR Bucks earlier this week Satchel, one of the last remaining tree house residents, explained how its been for them:

"It's been frightening but we are compelled every day to take action and every continuing day against the government and their agents and the bloating multinational coorporations that are destroying this earth.

"Living in a treehouse is beautiful, the view is excellent but it is a hard life.

"We're not here for fun you know? We are here because we really care about the issues."

Although work in the trees has stopped there is still protesting going on at the site.

Elsewhere, structures have been set up in the entrances to a site in West Hyde near Denham.

The 8-10ft structures are built from 10 bamboo poles, with wires holding them up, although tension is used to keep it upright with no pole rest on another.

A campaigner is suspended inside each, with others chained or connected to the base.

Elizabeth Cairns, Extinction Rebellion spokesperson and local mum of two, said:

“Every day HS2 brings us closer to 4 degrees warming this century and will decimate much of our remaining biodiversity. The future survival of our children is being ripped away by HS2 chainsaws and the inability of our Government to act as if this emergency is real. It’s very simple, if we are to respond meaningfully to the ecological crisis we need to stop cutting down trees and we need to plant new ones, lots of them. There is absolutely no place for massively destructive projects that rape and devastate our beautiful planet.

“The responsibility lies with us all to act. Despite my rage and utter desolation at the decimation of wildlife I witness every day, I believe that if we stand together and protect our cathedrals of nature then there may be hope for my children and yours too.”

Following the eviction process at Jones Hill Wood, Thames Valley Police have confirmed the follow:

The following five people were each charged with a single count of aggravated trespass:

  • Alice Crawshawe, aged 21, of Egerton Road, Manchester
  • Veronica Tombolan, aged 23, of Kings Lane, The Lee, Buckinghamshire
  • Anne Kahn, aged 22, of Kings Lane, The Lee, Buckinghamshire
  • Dan Hooper (veteran campaigner known as Swampy), aged 47, of London Road, Wendover
  • Ella Russell, aged 25, of Kings Lane, The Lee, Buckinghamshire

All five were released on bail, to appear in High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 16 November.

Additionally, Richard Fox, aged 29, of Fore Street, Yealmpton, Plymouth, was charged with obstructing/ resisting a constable in execution of duty.

He was also released on bail and is due to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 16 November.

William Harewood, aged 30, of Jones Hill Wood, Wendover, was charged with breach of bail, aggravated trespass, criminal damage, assault, obstructing police and interfere/ misuse something provided to meet statutory health safety or welfare provision.

Stephen Masters, aged 50, of West Mills, Newbury, was charged with aggravated trespass and breach of bail.

Both Harewood and Masters are due to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court today (9/10).

A 38-year-old man from Wendover, Buckinghamshire, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault, criminal damage and possession of class B drugs. He has been released under investigation.