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Want to do something to stop our planet from getting trashed?
Ecological Direct Action without Compromise!
Earth First! is a network of people and campaigns who fight ecological destruction and the forces driving it. We believe in doing it ourselves rather than relying on governments or industry. Direct action is at the heart of what we do, whether we're standing in front of a bulldozer, shutting down an opencast mine or ripping up a field of GM crops.
Join us for 5 days of workshops, networking and planning actions at a low impact eco-living camp organised non-hierarchically. It's run without leaders by everyone who comes along, so come prepared to chip in!
WHAT
Earth First! Summer Gathering
4 -9th Aug 2010, Derbyshire
5 days of workshops, skill sharing and planning action, plus low- impact living without leaders.
Meet and share skills with others who care. Plan actions and campaigns. Have fun. We have over 80 workshops already confirmed (time table will be posted soon), but if you want to offer one of your own please get in touch.
- Share and learn skills for kick-ass actions on land and water: Small boat handling and blockading using kayaks / Blockading - tripods, lock-ons / Fences / Climbing skills / Action reconnaissance / Security for Activists / Strategy and tactics / How to research corporations / Protest camps /
- Network current campaigns against ecological destruction: Open-cast mining / Genetic engineering / Agrofuels / Saving Iceland / Climate actions / Pipeline resistance in Rossport / Anti-nuclear / Airport expansion / Tar Sands /
- Think about eco-centric ethics and alternative ways of organising: Anarchism / Challenging Oppression and Hierarchy / Radical Politics / Working without leaders / Consensus decision-making /
- Practical skills for ecological restoration and sustainable living: Introduction to Ecology / Restoration ecology / Flora and Fauna identification / Vegan Cake making / Power from solar and wind / wild food / Squatting / Bike maintenance /
Check out the Programme page for the full timetable of workshops.
The programme also includes...
Water based direct action skills training
Loads of campaigns are taking to the water in defence of the planet, like at
Rossport where Shell are trying to lay onshore pipelines. This summers EF! gathering will continue to build on these tactics with training in water based actions.
We are a diverse community with a wide range of approaches to our action, so there should be plenty to interest and inspire everyone whether you have been active for years or are completely new to it all.
Meet people, make links, learn skills, take action.
YOU
We are all crew! This is your gathering so come prepared to help run the camp and contribute to the programme. Contact us in advance with ideas for workshops, help with organising the gathering, come early to help setup the site or stay on for a couple of days for takedown. If you can help get in touch!
BRING
Bring tent and sleeping bag. Food on site will be done by the Anarchist Teapot - delicious, organic, vegan food. Food is £5 per day, £4.50 concessions, £3 children, £2.50 for a single meal. While people are welcome to bring their own food to prepare, we would be grateful if you did not cook meat on site. If you have any dietary requirements let us know and we will try and accommodate them.
There'll be quiet sleeping areas, toilets and running water, a children's space and spaces for workshops and info stalls.
Veggies will provide vegan cake and snacks. Children and young adults welcome with subsidized meals.
The Gathering site will be open from Tuesday afternoon, with workshops taking place from Wednesday morning until Sunday afternoon.
WHERE
This year's gathering is held in a beautiful area in Derbyshire. The nearest train station is Derby and there is a bus service from Derby to within easy walking distance of the site.
We will post detailed travel information on our how to get there page
Please bear in mind that the gathering is not a festival or free party.
DOGS
Dogs: the gathering is held at a dog free site, unfortunately we will have to turn away any dogs that arrive. Please make alternative arrangements.
ACCESS
We aim to make the site and programme as accessible to all as we can. Wheelchair users, deaf and visually impaired people, people with learning difficulties and people with mental distress have all come to previous gatherings and we are committed to facilitate access for all. Please contact us in advance with any access issues. Read more about access.
CONTACT
The site mobile number is 07788 591766. This phone will not be active until July 31st.
Publicity
We are printing up lots of posters and flyers, so get in touch if you want to have some sent to you.
You can download print versions of the posters and flyers here. They are fairly large files!A4 Poster (pdf)
A5 Flyer Front (pdf)
A5 Flyer Back (pdf)
Info from Previous Years
The websites from previous years are archived