Extinction Rebellion Protest - Banks Coal Mine - Pont Valley, County Durham, UK - February 26th 2020
Channel: Ben Holden
Date: 2020-03-11

On February 26th 2020, folk from all over the country gathered in front of Banks coal mine in County Durham to close mining operations in support of the global Extinction Rebellion movement to stimulate conversation about climate crisis and to inspire further actions that can help us transition to a culture that supports life on the planet as opposed to destroying it (see for example: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/06/150623-sixth-extinction-kolbert-animals-conservation-science-world/ )

The man being interviewed happens to be none other than my father-in-law Paul Shepherd, a retired GP from the North East of England. Both he and his wife Alison Shepherd (a retired teacher) are giving up their time and potentially their immaculately clean criminal records in order to help bring the climate emergency to the forefront of public consciousness through peaceful acts of civil disobedience. 

My life Laurie and I are both really proud of them for doing this. It's not easy to upset the status quo, but these two do it with intelligence and respect.

- Ben Holden
www.greensparkfilms.com