Local campaigners have been gathering at the Crackley Wood HS2 protection camp this week to join together to learn new skills, and share as a community.

Running from September 28 to 30, the Skill Up event is designed to share skills, and help continue the fantastic community spirit that has driven the demonstrations against HS2 thus far.

Attendees are invited to bring tents to camp for the three days, as organisers remain clear that all participants should follow social distancing guidelines.

Sessions, which last up to two hours each are running all day, and include making banners, climbing trees, yoga, cooking, and other practical skills.

Organisers have said "Come and learn some practical skills, or maybe share skills of your own, meet the campaigners, experience camp life, and find out what you can do to help stop HS2. Everyone is welcome - come for an hour, or a day, or maybe a week."

There will also be another event this weekend, running from Saturday 3 to Tuesday 6 October. There will be additional activities and skills development at Crackley Camp with Extinction Rebellion groups joining the Kenilworth campaigners from as far afield as Bristol and Cardiff. More information can be found by following this link.

The event comes as the petition to save the 250 year old Pear Tree in Cubbington Woods from HS2 works reaches over 17,500 signatures. The second-largest tree of its type is due to be felled as part of the construction of the HS2 line, but now the petition has received over 10,000 signatures, the government must respond to it.

You can add your name to the list by following this link.

Crackley Woods HS2 Protection Camp also has a Go Fund Me page, which you can donate to by following this link.