Twyford Rising

Description

Twyford Rising tells the true and previously untold story of the protests to stop the construction of a motorway through Twyford Down, a beautiful hill in Hampshire, England. This was the first time environmental direct action on this scale had been taken in the UK and it inspired similar campaigns across the world.

The book tells the story of those protests in the words of those who were there, weaving together memories of local residents, new age travellers and young environmental activists. Only those who took part can really tell this story of unlikely alliances, adventure and heartbreak.

Interviews are linked by a narrative, which is rich in descriptions of a wild and ancient landscape, evoking a place that was loved by the people who walked there and those who camped on the route of the road. Twyford Rising is illustrated with photographs and leaflets from the time, recording both actions and the lost land itself.

Twyford Down is  acknowledged as the birthplace of the modern environmental movement and Twyford Rising contains ideas and inspiration for contemporary campaigners. It is also vital for understanding todays’ environmental protests, including those against HS2, fracking and climate change. Alongside activism, Twyford Rising also explores the quest for low impact lifestyles and spiritual connections with the Earth.