Local residents turn to music to oppose Forest Holidays’ proposed development in Matlock Forest

In response to Forest Holidays’ proposal to construct seventy-five holiday lodges in Matlock Forest – alongside new roads, sewer infrastructure and the resulting increase in traffic, habitat loss and environmental damage – the Save Farley Moor campaign has turned to the words of Joni Mitchell’s iconic song Big Yellow Taxi. “Don’t it always seem to go… You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone… You pave paradise… You put up a parking lot…”

First released in 1970 as a warning of environmental destruction, Big Yellow Taxi feels more relevant than ever today. With government plans to reform planning laws and redefine green-belt protections, England’s wildlife and green spaces face unprecedented risk.

Folk musicians Elena Brearley and David Hudson have recorded a cover of Big Yellow Taxi to raise awareness of the campaign. Brearley also stars as Joni Mitchell in the accompanying music video (watch the video below). Local campaigner Andy Neath provided the “big yellow taxi” featured in the film: a vehicle he owns ahead of a journey across Africa planned for summer 2026.