Walk at talk at potential drilling site between Wisborough Green and Kirdford

According to campaigners Walk the Route is being organised to raise the awareness of the site, off Kirdford Road, and to substantiate their belief that the site is not suitable for the proposals Celtique Energie wish to implement.

The energy company submitted an application to West Sussex County Council for exploratory drilling last month.

While they are looking for conventional energy deposits, the firm has said it will also be looking for shale deposits.

Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping water and chemicals underground at high pressure to split apart porous shale rock to release oil or gas, and has been the subject of large-scale protests in Balcombe this year.

A spokesperson for the group said: “If their application is approved it will mean this area will change beyond recognition and the way of life will never be the same for these communities.

“We want to protect the interests of the community, who for centuries have relied on the many rural activities in the vicinity, and to stop the disruption of heavy transportation driving through our villages 24 hours every day seven days a week.”

People are invited to bring their family, friends, and dogs for a beautiful autumnal walk, past the ancient woodland of Northup Copse and the 17th-century Boxall Bridge.

The meeting point for both groups will be outside the respective churches.

For more information visit Keep Kirdford and Wisborough’ Green’s website.