After an almost decade-long fight to safeguard the wildlife of Misson Carr Nature Reserve, a rare and fragile wetland habitat in north Nottinghamshire, the Trust was delighted to join local campaigners to celebrate the fact that the exploratory drilling site, just 120 metres from the nature reserve, has finally been restored following pressure from Nottinghamshire County Council.

The restoration of the site represents the last hurdle in a complex and at times fraught ‘David vs Goliath’ planning battle which at times looked unwinnable. News from the County Council that the drilling site had been restored by the developer triggering a joyous celebration that the reserve’s wildlife is no longer under threat and that the local community can now stand down now that the spectre of fracking no longer looms over them.

Trust staff, including Head of Nature Recovery (North) Janice Bradley and Head of Communications Erin McDaid - who have both worked closely with local campaigners to see off the threat -  joined villagers and representatives from Frack Free Misson at the Angel Pub in the village to mark the momentous occasion. Local campaigners highlighted the importance of collaboration and of residents making their voice heard;  whilst the Trust highlighted its delight that the wildlife of Misson Carr, including owls which became a symbol of the local campaign, was no longer under threat.

Speaking at the event Janice said: “With the threat of fracking for shale gas no longer hanging over the community, today is a great day for nature - both for the wildlife of Misson Carr Nature Reserve, including the owls, and further afield. Fracking contributes to climate change, and it would be inexcusable to open up a whole new fossil fuel resource - so today really is a good day for nature locally and in terms of nature elsewhere that is already being impacted by climate change.

The Trust believes that the successful campaign should encourage other communities facing the threat of potentially damaging development to band together to speak out. Erin explained: Having worked alongside Janice and the local community on this campaign for many years it is clear that passionate, determined and well- informed local campaigns can be successful - even if the odds seem sacked against them. Seeing first hand the power of combining the Trust’s technical expertise with the dedication and tenacity of the local campaign has been inspirational. Even now, with the immediate battel won, the local campaigners are determined to share their experience and to give hope and encouragement to others that they can and should speak out and take action for nature and climate.”

A spokesperson for Frack Free Misson added: “It is no small relief that this huge battle is finally over. Our story shows what determined and committed campaigners can achieve at a local level, even when fighting issues of a national scale.”

As part of the celebrations members of Frack Free Misson made a surprise presentation of £2500 to Janice as a mark of their appreciation for the Trust’s involvement in the campaign and to support future management of the reserve.