Faultlines (2015-2020)

In January 2014, then British Prime Minister David Cameron declared that Britain would go “…all out for shale…” using the unconventional gas extraction method of hydraulic fracturing, better known as ‘fracking’.

Pressurised fluids are used to fracture the layers of shale rock sediment to extract methane gas. The fluid is a mixture of water, noxious chemicals and sand; millions of gallons are injected into an often horizontally drilled well and pumped under extreme pressure until the rock fractures. The sand particles prop open the cracks releasing trapped shale gas from the sediments.

Fracking is widespread throughout the USA, parts of Europe and elsewhere. It is associated with air pollution, groundwater contamination, serious health issues, industrialisation of the countryside, earth tremors and loss of biodiversity. The proposal to frack much of Britain was opposed by many local direct action community groups.

The images for Faultlines were made over a six year period whilst cycling and walking over 2000 miles around Britain, travelling through the oil and gas licence blocks. The work represents the contested landscapes under threat and was inspired by people met along my journeys.

Not Here, Not Anywhere, an extended essay by ecologist Helen Baczkowsa, describes the geology of shale rock and the impact on people living in the those areas subject to fracking proposals and can be viewed by clicking the above link..

The publication Faultlines, including a special edition complete with 11x14 silver gelatin print, is available from GOST Books here.