Where
Train to Yeovil Pen Mill (on Bristol-Weymouth line) or Yeovil Junction (Waterloo-Exeter line)
Number 68 bus from both stations to Yeovil bus station (Pen Mill is also easy walking distance from bus station, Junction is 2 miles south of town), this bus is half-hourly except Sundays when it doesn’t run
Number 81 bus from Yeovil bus station to Norton-sub-Hamden, closest village to site (1 mile), runs hourly weekdays, 2-hourly Saturdays, not at all Sundays.
National Express in theory have a coach stop in Yeovil, but don’t seem to be running anything there at present.
Berrys Coaches run a service (SuperFast 2) from London to Taunton serving South Petherton, this has to be booked (and this does run Sundays). You could then get the 68 bus from South Petherton to Norton, or just walk it.
Bus times:
Hello, here is the timetable for the 81 bus:
https://images.southwestcoaches.co.uk/images/pdfs/81service-public-sept2020.pdf
Also Yeovil stations to bus station:
http://wyndham.gettingaroundsomerset.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Service-68-June-2018-Bus-Timetable.pdf
When To Come
The camp starts first thing on morning of Tuesday 30th Aug. Workshops start on Wednesday morning. The workshop programme will run until the evening meal on Sun 4th Sep and site take-down on Monday 5th – it’s looking pretty exciting already, so we would love you to come for as much of the gathering as you are able! On Tuesday morning we will collectively set up the site which is a great opportunity to learn all about the practicalities of setting up a protest site or gathering. Check out the workshops schedule, coming very soon! You are encouraged to stay on Tuesday until the whole site is packed down and tidied to leave it just how we found it, or even better.
What to bring
The gathering will be camping at a rural site (accessible by public transport) so think about bringing:
- plate, cup and cutlery (if you want to be fed!)
- a tent (bonus points if it doesn’t leak)
- sleeping bag and roll-mat (unless you’re just that hardcore)
- appropriate (warm and waterproof) clothing and sturdy boots
- notepad/pen for all the amazing stuff you’ll learn in workshops
- sunscreen/hat (be optimistic)
- water bottle (especially if it is covered in Social Justice Warrior stickers)
- head-torch (for those inevitable late night toilet trips)
- battery pack for your phone if you will need it powered at the camp (please leave phones in your tent)
- money (also see costs below)
Food
Food is bought and cooked collectively, with three meals a day. Everyone who comes to the camp pitches into the peeling, chopping, cooking, and washing up (everyone is crew!). All collective food will be vegan, and dietary needs will try to be accommodated within the limitations of a field kitchen (please ensure you tell the Welcome Tent on arrival of your dietary requirements and how long you’ll be at the Gathering). If you’re unsure whether we can meet your needs, please email earthfirstuk@riseup.net. Veggies food cooperative will also be providing vegan snacks at additional cost during the day.
Costs
We ask that everybody attending the gathering makes a donation between £0-50 according to what you can afford. Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for a suggested donation of £5 per day if you can afford it (this is what it costs to provide). No-one will be turned away for lack of funds! These gatherings costs thousands to put on and everyone pays what they can, including the organising collective, to ensure it runs again the next year.
Accessibility
We don’t want anyone to be excluded from the gathering and will do our best with our limited resources to support everyone who wants to attend. All essential infrastructure and workshop spaces and a camping space reserved for people with accessibility needs will be sited as close and accessibly as possible. Accessible walkways between the main spaces will be provided. There will also be two step-free toilets, chairs in workshop and eating areas, and priority camping (also for live-ins) near gate/toilets. The main (vehicle) gate is the most accessible entrance to the site.
Please get in touch to discuss your requirements: earthfirstuk@riseup.net
Anti-Opression
We believe that the gathering should be a place in which all individuals can feel safe. That does not mean that your beliefs or preconceptions might not be challenged during workshops, but we do not tolerate language or behaviour which is discriminatory. Anyone perpetrating this behaviour or language may be asked to leave the site. Carefully read our statements on trans solidarity and anti-oppression before deciding to attend the camp.
Kids & Young People
We welcome families with kids to the gathering. There will be a kids’ space and there will be some organised activities and plenty of time for self-organised activities. Please be aware that these activities depend on volunteers to help facilitate them.
Dogs
We encourage you to find off-site care arrangements for your dog. However, we know that sometimes your furry friends need to come with you. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs though, or have had negative experiences, so you must keep your dog on a leash at all times on site. Please take your dog off-site to poop, but if any accidents happen on site you must clean it up immediately, and pour water on the area–young children will be playing and people often walk barefoot. If your dog becomes disruptive to workshops or the gathering, it will be required to leave the site. Your dog’s welfare and conduct remains your responsibility for the entirety of the gathering.
Journalism, police, photography, and security
This camp is not directed towards media coverage, and journalists on duty are not to attend the camp. This is not a press event. Police and security are similarly and explicitly not welcome. Please do not take any photographs at the camp, whether that’s a selfie, or of your friend. It’s easy to catch someone else in the background by accident that may cause that person trouble later on. You should also be leaving your phones in your tent, turned off. This is for everyone’s security.
Page updated: 22.06.22