Today the first large-scale clearing operation by RWE in the Hambach Forest of this season took place. Up to now, the destruction work is limited to the area north of the former highway of the relocated A4: After the clearing of the previous year, a narrow strip of forest was left behind between the old A4 and the Hambachbahn, a coal railway-line that was also relocated. Today, trees in this strip were cut down for five hours close to the so-called Secu-Bridge at the former highway exit. So apparently, in this clearing season RWE plans to first cut down this strip of forest from east to west.

Today, around 8.30 am, the first of about 6-8 police cars appeared, accompanied by SUV’s from the various security services under contract from RWE. Starting from 9.30 am, the actual clearing work began and continued until 3 pm. We can not yet specify the number of killed trees and the destroyed forest area.
Meanwhile, security employees patrolled by car on the old motorway A4 and by foot with dogs in the forest. At times the dog patrols also advanced into the larger part of the forest south of the motorway route. Overall, about 13-20 Secus were in the area; but the exact number is hard to tell because they were never at the same place. In addition, helicopters circled over the forest repeatedly – apparently in order to observe and photograph the activists who were on the move there.

The clearing season 2016/17 has officially started on 1 October and is going to last until February 27. So far, however, there has been no felling of large trees in this season, but only preparatory work such as grubbing of bushwork. According to the available information, there has there has been no physical confrontation today. The present activists have decided to rather observe the activities – given the contingent of police and security guards, there were no sufficient capacities for actively interfering.

Therefore: Come to the Hambach Forest and stand up against the destruction!
You don’t need to be unbelievably experienced or brave: Whether it’s background work on the meadow-camp, documentation of the destruction and repression or active intervention, there are many forms of resistance that are helpful and welcome!
The energy-giant is stumbling – let’s make them topple!