UK shale gas explorer Ineos will carry out a geological survey of Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, England, after reaching an agreement with the National Trust and ending a potential legal battle, writes Anamaria Deduleasa.

The agreement follows an application by Ineos to investigate shale gas deposits in the area that was initially rejected by the National Trust due to concerns about shale’s impact on the environment.

Ineos made a claim to the High Court last February to secure the right to carry out the survey. The claim was listed for trial in May 2019.

The parties, however, have now reached an agreement allowing Ineos to survey the area. As a result, the company has halted its legal action.

Ineos shale chief operating officer Tom Pickering said: “There is an expectation for us to survey sites within our licence areas.

"Whilst we will always seek to secure access through the courts if necessary, this is a last resort and we are pleased that in this case the National Trust has now recognised our legal right to survey on their land.

“I am very pleased that the National Trust has now been reassured that the surveys are safe and pose no threat to the beautiful landscape of Clumber Park. We will ensure the surveys are carried out sensitively.”