In 2019, a real-estate investor had set his sights on a plot of land in Castrop-Rauxel containing a valuable biotope and an old oak tree. Housing was planned for the site—yes, but not there.
A fellow activist, known as HAMBI-POTTER, spontaneously climbed into the OLD OAK and joined forces with local residents campaigning to protect the tree and the site.
We joined the campaign in November 2019, responding with our painting. We portrayed the OLD OAK in oil, creating an artistic statement in solidarity with the local resistance.
The action received two television reports and three newspaper articles, helping to raise public awareness of the controversial development project and increasing pressure on the investor—ultimately beyond what the investor was prepared to withstand.
HAMBI-POTTER and the committed local residents succeeded: the oak tree will remain standing.
The investor will have to find another plot of land—somewhere without an OLD OAK.
