In his letter, published here under the title Setting an Example, Druid priest and author, Nicholas Mann speaks of the necessity to make an open and clear decision about actively changing the way that we live. We are all weighing up our priorities, working out what is based upon need and what is fuelled by desire, particularly in terms of decisions that are obviously environmentally damaging. Yet, as Nicholas says, the 'spiritual community needs to set a powerful example by following the
path of simplicity at this time'.
Our Druidry teaches us to bond in deep relationship with the spirits of nature, but perhaps most poignantly to focus upon those of our homeland. For through our local environment, we can touch nature as a whole, knowing that others are expressing their care in the same way. It is in finding the stillness and quiet of being wholly present that we are able to make a truly significant difference. It is in slowing down (in a world that skids too fast for true connection to be sustained) that we find 'a vital key to the healing of our wounded planet'.
Nicholas began with this pledge: 'we have decided not to fly again unless it is absolutely
necessary'. Air travel is not the only problem. It is not even the biggest problem. But its effect is not insignificant. According to the World Development Movement, air travel makes up 10-15% of the UK's contribution to human-induced climate change each year, and is still our fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. This is something we can address immediately - by choosing not to fly - for the foreseeable future, until the fuel / pollution problem is resolved. I here ask if others would like to pledge the same, their name witnessed here by the community, the gods, our ancestors and those descendants to whom we bequeath this our home. Send your name and we'll post it here.
I pledge not to fly again unless it is absolutely necessary.
Emma Restall Orr (bobcat)
Phil Ryder
Rob Wilson
Red Griffiths Haynes
Bill Melnyk (Oakwyse)
Liz Griffiths
Nick Griffiths Haynes
Jessie Laidlaw
David Orr
Lynda Ryder
Julia Wildfyre
Susan Groundrey Kruse
Hope Catherine Ball
Adam Parker
Kristoffer Kromberg
Philip James Pratt
