Five individuals from the Wells area joined approximately 40 other pilgrims to endure one of the hottest September days on record for a pilgrimage from Bristol Cathedral to Bristol Airport on Saturday, 9 September.

The airport is slated to expand its capacity by two million passengers annually, despite stern climate advice, local opposition, and a prior rejection by the North Somerset planning committee. This rejection was later overturned by the planning inspectorate. The controversial expansion has been criticised by local MPs, neighbouring councils, and a staggering 8,900 people who have formally objected in writing. Thousands more have shown their dissent through marches.

Before embarking on the pilgrimage, the group received blessings from Revd Jonnie Parkin, the Canon Missioner. The journey was marked by stops for prayer and reflection, giving thanks for the sun, water, and the bounty of the earth. All Saints Church in Long Ashton and St Katharine's Church in Felton served as rest stops, providing much-needed shelter and refreshments.

Although many pilgrims wished to conclude the pilgrimage by peacefully praying inside the airport, they were barred entry by airport staff. Instead, they declared the adjacent roundabout as sacred ground. Ben Buse, a Rodney Stoke resident, along with Patrick Laban and Morwenna White-Thomson, managed to enter the departure terminal. There, they displayed signs reading 'Tread gently on the earth,' 'We care and we have hope,' and 'Standing with the people and creatures of the earth.' They also read a lament which articulated their sorrow and hope for the environment.

Ben Buse said, "We've witnessed the devastating impacts of the current level of global warming this summer—not just in Europe but worldwide. With escalating heatwaves, wildfires, floods and hurricanes, it's clear things will only deteriorate until we halt emissions. Scientists are unequivocal that airport expansion is incompatible with climate goals." Buse continued, "As we awaken to our responsibilities and our deep care for all that is sacred, we must be the change we want to see."

The UK government's advisory committee on climate change corroborated these sentiments in its 2023 progress report. It clearly stated that the recent trend of airport expansion runs counter to the assessment that there should be no net expansion of airports across the UK.

This pilgrimage was just one part of a nationwide day of action. Similar events took place in various parts of the country including Brighton, Durham, Epson, Glasgow, Newbury, Merseyside, Oxford, York, and London, each focusing on locations significant to the ongoing climate and ecological crisis.

For further information, refer to the following reports:

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• 2023 Progress Report to Parliament by the UK Government Advisory Committee on Climate Change
• National Day of Action Details