ECO-CONSCIOUS activists will take to the streets of Colchester this afternoon as part of an ongoing national protest demanding immediate action over climate change.

Extinction Rebellion Colchester campaigners will meet at HollyTrees Lawn, in Castle Park, at 1pm before marching through the city centre at 2pm.

They will then return to Castle Park at about 3pm where they plan on enjoying a picnic.

The action, which has been dubbed a Summer Uprising, is taking place in conjunction with the environmental movement’s so-called Carnival For Life.

Gazette:

Those taking part will use the demonstration to celebrate life while also highlighting the extent to which the planet’s climate and ecology is under threat.

Like-minded individuals and organisations, such as Eco-Colchester, The Green party and Save the Wick campaigners, are also expected to join the march.

A spokesman for Extinction Rebellion Colchester said: “Colchester XR will be gathering in Colchester, with rebels from across the East of England, as the Carnival For Life comes to Colchester.

“The East of England Carnival For Life is a celebration of life on earth, whilst recognising the threat we’re under from the climate and ecological emergency.”

The latest campaign, which sees placard-wielding protesters make their voices heard, has been sweeping across the entirety of the country throughout July.

Gazette:

“The Uprising has already got under way,” said the spokesman for Extinction Rebellion Colchester, whose activists previously glued themselves to buildings.

“In Wales there have been mass actions against coal mining and in Teeside mass action against dirty incinerators.

“There has also been a series of protests against agricultural pollution in the River Wye, work to save the oceans in Plymouth, actions against fossil fuel companies.

“Our theme in Colchester is loss of biodiversity of which there are a number of causes; including habitat destruction, the effects of over use of pesticides and agricultural fertilizers and, of course, Global Warming itself.

“The event is open to all and is family friendly.”