In a significant victory for local biodiversity and community resistance, Harrogate Spring Water bottling factory expansion plans were recently refused.

The proposal by the multinational giant Danone would have seen the destruction of Rotary Wood, a 4.25-acre area of community woodland in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. This would have meant the felling of approximately 500 mature trees, and the destruction of valuable and varied flora and fauna that live within the woodland. Rotary Wood was planted over 20 years ago by community groups and local schoolchildren to commemorate the Rotary Centenary; to help tackle climate change; and to give us a more sustainable future. Rotary Wood has been granted the status of Asset of Community Value. For 9 years, the site has been a focal point of local concern, representing a clash between corporate expansion and the urgent need to protect our remaining community woodland. Rotary Wood is well loved and well used by the community, supporting physical and emotional wellbeing.

Alongside the dedicated and committed Save Rotary Wood campaign group, and the Pinewood Conservation group, XR Harrogate joined the cause to highlight this issue, providing a striking presence of Red Rebels at the council planning meetings. XR’s involvement has been about more than just the trees: it has been about challenging the logic of a system that prioritises plastic production over ecological survival.

The refusal is the result of a broad, diverse coalition of committed local people, residents, conservationists, as well as some high-profile supporters, including Dames Judi Dench and Joanna Lumley, who collectively signalled that the community would not accept the loss of Rotary Wood.

While we recognise that this may not be the end of the line as Danone could still fight the finer details of the plans or simply re-apply for planning permission, this moment serves as a vital proof of concept. It demonstrates that when local groups align their energy in creative and disruptive ways and refuse to be intimidated by corporate power, the tide can turn.

We celebrate this win not as a final conclusion, but as a momentum-builder. It is a reminder that persistence, combined with wide-scale community solidarity, is the most effective tool we have for protecting the living world.

Together, we are proving that another way is possible.

Editor’s notes

16th April:
 Independent article:
 “Dame Judi Dench has urged councillors to reject plans to expand a water bottling plant, saying it will destroy “a living, growing woodland created through patience, care and public spirit”.”

17th April:
 BBC News article:
 “Water bottling plant expansion rejected.”

ITV News article:
 “Harrogate Spring Water expansion blocked after opposition from campaigners including Dame Judi Dench.”

Campaign website:
 www.saverotarywood.org
 We are expecting to go to judicial review if and when Danone appeal the refusal, this will cost £20,000 which the campaign group are crowdfunding for.
 

Extinction Rebellion’s actions and campaigns focus on disrupting the seats of power because we are living in a time of Climate and Nature Emergency with our eco-system and society at risk of collapse in the sixth mass extinction.

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