Skip to content

Ancient tradition of freemining allowed to continue

Carmelo Garcia
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Carmelo Garcia The exterior entrance to Shire Hall in Gloucestershire. It shows a sand coloured building with four large pillars outside, and a large sconce lantern. Carmelo Garcia
Councillors voted to allow the ancient tradition of freemining to remain intact

A council has pledged to protect the ancient rights of freeminers to burn and mine coal despite concerns over climate change.

The Forest of Dean tradition was first established in Gloucestershire in 1296 by King Edward the First, and it was later enshrined into law in 1838.

It gives any adult over 21, born within the Hundred of St Briavels, and who had worked underground for a year and a day, the right to mine coal, iron and stone on personal plots known as "gales".

Gloucestershire County Council put forth an amendment to allow the historic practice to continue, saying its contribution to global warming was "miniscule".

Getty Images A black and white sketch showing four men digging for coal in an underground mine. One is drilling at the walls using machinery, while the others load a wooden trolley full of coal from a pile on the ground. Another uses a pick axe to chip away at the wall. They are all wearing helmets with lights attached to the front. Getty Images
The law gave coal or iron miners in the Forest of Dean the right to mine personal plots known as "gales"

During the nationalisation of the coal industry in 1946, the Forest of Dean was exempt due to its unique form of ownership and history.

However, Green Party councillors turned up the heat during a debate this week which called for more action on tackling climate change.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, they lobbied for MPs to release a planned phase-out of fossil fuels with their political parties.

'Heritage importance'

Tidenham councillor, Chris McFarling, was the only one of the group to support the amendment.

He said: "The amount that preserving this heritage contributes to global warming is minuscule, and its heritage importance is therefore worthy of being an exception.

"It is extremely important we acknowledge the freeminers and their right to burn coal."

Lydney councillor Alan Preest said he was "certainly not a climate change denier", but admitted the heritage deserved to be recognised.

He said: "I can't betray the people in the Forest of Dean and their traditions, otherwise I wouldn't be in this chamber.

"Dean Forest Railway needs steam, which is produced from coal, to survive, and that's a vital element of our tourism economy."

Ultimately, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green Party councillors voted in favour for the motion, while Conservatives and Independents voted against.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

Related Internet Links
More on this story