A Lesson in Social Composting

History has a lot to teach people today, lets look at an example from activism, back in October 2013, a urgent message from the very lively Balcombe Anti Fracking Camp set out a familiar dilemma for grassroots activism. The fallow on smaller Wisborough Green anti-fracking camp was being established on private land, with limited amenities. It was a step camp, for people to recover there energy to pass on the skills and equipment. The landowners wanted it to remain focused on stopping fracking, rather than becoming a general travellers’ site or party space. A space for building unity with the local community and maintaining the trust of landowners to help create a precedent for next camp. The intention was understandable, protect the space, build local support and prepare for the many other sites where resistance would be needed. But there is a sadly normal side to this story, the camp was soon torn apart by a disruptive individuals. The damage was demoralizing and hindered preparations…