Tibetan monks offer help to anti-frackers

The Gyuto Monks, who practise Tibetan Buddhism, will visit Woodsetts on Saturday to see the site earmarked by drilling firm Ineos for exploration and perform a special blessing ceremony.

Campaign group Woodsetts Against Fracking said they welcomed the support of the monks, whose actions are aimed at “removing dark and negative lower energies so that peace and harmony can be present and effectively reestablish themselves in the land and wider area”.

A spokesman for WAF said: “The monks felt that they would like to meet and find out more of the facts about what is happening there and this was an important service and ceremony to perform for the community — to preserve the integrity of the ecological landscape as their prayer and offering.

“It should be an interesting morning and potent cultural exchange.

“All ages welcome to attend and show their solidarity with the monks and the community together.”

The monks will be led to the proposed well site at about 11am for the 15-minute ceremony they will bless the land and the villagers and in particular the children of Woodsetts.

The spokesman said: “Our visitors from the other side of the world are treading in the footsteps of Cistercian monks from Roche Abbey who used the self same path centuries ago.

“We are convinced that they too would wish to bless and protect their ancient walkway.

“We look forward to welcoming the monks and everyone from the village and beyond for this very special event.  

“Sadly, we have to ask visitors to be very careful about where they walk and follow the direction of the Woodsetts Against Fracking marshals, as we are still subject to the restrictions imposed on us by the injunction placed on the land by Ineos, and we cannot have any trespassing onto the land covered by the injunction.”