"This new runway is just such a daft idea. It's obvious to everyone who digs a garden that the climate is already changing, and things are set to get even worse, so why make Heathrow the biggest single emitter of CO2 in the country?"
- Richard Briers
Richard Briers digs the Airplot
When the time came to dig an allotment on the Airplot, we knew that we needed some expert advice. And who better to turn to than the man who brought allotments to the attention of millions in 70s TV sensation The Good Life, and organic gardening supremos Garden Organic?
Yes, the latest guest to the Airplot is Richard Briers, who has dusted off his spade and started digging up the land earmarked by Gordon Brown for the construction of a new runway at Heathrow airport.
Richard is joining Gardener's World presenter Alys Fowler to plant organic carrots on the plot - they want to send vegetables to every member of the cabinet, in the hope that they'll enjoy them so much they'll ditch their plans for a third runway.
The allotment will be cared for using organic practices for the benefit of the local community. Unless of course, BAA and the government get their way and a new runway tarmacs over the allotment and the local community with it. But with businesses, environmentalists, gardeners and celebrities joining the tens of thousands of people who've signed up to the Airplot, that's never going to happen, because we own their runway and they're not getting it back!
As Richard says: "If thousands more people sign up to become beneficial owners of the allotment land we'll be able to stand together against Gordon's Brown's silly idea, armed with root vegetables and the knowledge that we're right and he's wrong."
Garden Organic bring carrots
We're also delighted to have Garden Organic, the UK's leading organic growing charity, working with us to halt the expansion of Heathrow airport, and reduce climate change.
Garden Organic are passionate believers in sustainable growing practices, no matter where or how small the space.
Top Garden Organic gardener Bob said: "The Greenpeace allotment will not only help to stop and make the Government think, but will itself positively contribute to reducing climate change through creating a site bustling with life and vitality thanks to its organic credentials. We are thrilled that the airplot land will be turned over to an allotment to be used for community food growing."
Find out more from the Garden Organic website.
Monty Don weighs in
Monty Don, president of the Soil Association, has also offered his support to the Airplot Allotment:
"The plan for a third runway at Heathrow is institutionalised madness and I wish Richard and the community of Sipson the best of luck in their campaign.
It has never been more important for as many people as possible to rediscover the skills and pleasures of growing their own fruit and veg. I find it tremendously encouraging that people are increasingly doing this in their gardens and allotments and even window-boxes right across the country. In this way we can all make a meaningful contribution to our food and at the same time to the effects of climate change - quite apart from the pleasure and health that it invariably provides."
Contact the Airplot Media Team
Greenpeace has a dedicated press office which can help out with further information and briefings about the plot and the campaign.
Our Media Centre has press releases, background media briefings and an archive of our reports and campaign work.
For further information or video requests, call the press office on 020 7865 8255.
For image requests, please email pix@uk.greenpeace.org