National Trust pulls fracking site legal challenge

THE National Trust has withdrawn its legal opposition to seismic surveying by Ineos at Clumber Park, but has vowed to fight to protect the site from fracking.

Energy firm Ineos won the right earlier this year to pursue a High Court action to gain access to the Grade I-registered landscape in Nottinghamshire for surveying, as part of efforts to assess the area for shale gas.

The National Trust said it had taken the decision, after “extensive legal efforts and carefully considering all the evidence available”, not to legally oppose the seismic surveys.

But the trust urged Ineos to provide assurances it would not damage the “special place”, and warned it remained completely opposed to fracking at Clumber Park.

The charity said the case showed how difficult it was to protect sites of special significance from applications by oil and gas companies hoping to search for shale gas.

National Trust director of the Midlands Andy Beer said: “Our position has not changed: we oppose fracking at Clumber Park.

“Despite our best efforts to explain why Clumber Park is so sensitive and such an inappropriate site, Ineos is intent on pursuing access to survey at the site.

“We think it is wrong that we, or any other landowner, should be compelled to admit surveys at a place as special and loved as this.

“Let me be clear though, Clumber Park comes first. And, as such, we have demanded that Ineos provides assurances that these surveys will not damage this special place, which is our main priority.”

Mr Beer said the surveys must “absolutely minimise” the risks of damaging wildlife and habitats or the opportunity for hundreds of thousands of people to enjoy Clumber Park.

The site attracts 600,000 visitors every year and is home to rare wildlife such as cuckoos and lesser spotted woodpeckers, the National Trust said.