DISCO DAVE'S TUNNEL GUIDE
Getting started
The hardest part of doing anything is usually the start, tunnelling is no exception. Journalists begin every story with the five W's. Who, what, why, where and when. Tunnelling can be approached in the same fashion.
Who?
The answer to that is everyone. Residents on camp, visitors, even people who never come to the protest site can help in one way or another, by building doors, bringing food, offering tunnellers a well needed bath. A few people may actually design and build the tunnel, yet like an army they can only effectively operate with the support of a mass of unsung heroes.
What?
That is the question. There are many factors to consider. How many people are on site. Whats the availability of building materials for shoring, bunkers etc. Is there regular local support to recharge car batteries?. Are finances available to purchase tools, head torches, computer fans,piping or can they be supplied free of charge. On the face of it seems daunting. But just about everything can be overcome by commitment, determination and damn hardwork. Just dig even if you don't know what the end result will be. People on site will empathize with your honest ignorance of tunnel construction. Be open to suggestions, be it from a wet behind the ears teenager or a veteran of twenty campaigns. Throw everyones ideas into the pot give it a quick stir then in time what started as a hole in the ground could end up like the Maginot line.
Why? (see chapter2 objective)
Where?
It is generally not too difficult to obtain or at least view maps of the proposed development. The public libary of the nearest large town should be able to aid you in your search. Alternatively write or phone the relevant government body (ie The highways agency) for copies of the plans. Even without admitting you're a protester they will very likely charge you an extortionate fee. Money which could more wisely be spent on tools and supplies. Beginning a tunnel on private land that then goes under land that is due for development will cause the authorities a headache. Especially if the owner of the land the tunnel has started on is vehemantly against having neighbouring greenbelt land covered in concrete. The legal battle could go on indefinatley and may even result in victory for the protesters.
The focus of any protest site is the fire pit. It's the rest, eating and social area.... and the most vulnerable point. If the bailiffs decide to mount a surprise attack they could catch the protesters before they have time to occupy their defences. Positioning the fire pit above ground is one way to avoid this. (see raised fire pit). However if materials are lacking and the fire pit area is on ground level, having a tunnel entrance more than a couple of minutes walk away is inviting disaster and foolish to say the least. What's the point spending months digging a tunnel to discover a big burly bailiff has reached the entrance before you have?. That few feet can make the world of difference when eviction day dawns.
When
The Summer is the best time to set up camp and begin digging. During the winter months a lot of protesters prefer to stay in bed or go down the pub. However once a camp has been established it will be the courts that will decide if the development is to go ahead. The protesters can of course lodge an appeal against any decision. If the appeal is lost, in England, the courts will then usually allow a period (approximately 14 days) for the protesters to pack up and leave. After that it's the waiting game for the bailiffs to come in a week, a month or even a year.
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