Monies have poured in to a fundraising appeal to help pay the court fines of leading South Hams climate activist, Dr Larch Maxey, who fought the HS2 rail project by spending four weeks in a tunnel under London’s Euston Square.

The 48-year-old of Totnes gave up his job as an ecology lecturer to become a full time Extinction Rebellion volunteer and has been at the forefront of many of its climate crisis campaigns including living on HS2 protection camps for 15 months, spending 27 days underground, taking part in city road blocks, going on hunger strike and spraying the HS2 head office pink.

Supporter Dorothea Hackman has launched a Go Fund Me appeal to raise the £5,700 damages Larch has been ordered to pay HS2 by the courts.

The appeal, launched on December 18, has already raised more than £5,000.

Dorothea said being a high stakes activist is “gruelling mentally, physically and financially,” and described Larch’s activism as “bold and brave.”

“The least we can do is support,” she added.

Writing on her fundraising page, Dorothea urged for donations, however big or small.

“If we don’t pay then Larch will get into more bother with the courts, so please help if you can, donate, and share this request,” she said.

“We will use the money to pay the court fine online.

“Dr Larch Maxey lived on HS2 protection camps for 15 months and was evicted eight times, participated in hundreds of actions and has been arrested 11 times for his work to Stop HS2.

“Larch’s HS2 evictions include the longest tree eviction in UK history at Crackley ancient woodland and spending 27 days underground in the tunnel under Euston Square Gardens.

“He was imprisoned in HMP Pentonville and placed on tag for six months for occupying HS2’s London office.”

Dorothea said raising enough money to pay Larch’s court fines will allow him to “continue lawful campaigning against Europe’s most destructive scheme.”

An anonymous donor has made the biggest single donation to Larch’s fund – putting £427 into the pot.

Donor Su Howard wrote: “Dr Larch, you are a real life super hero.

“I’ve been to Denham Lock and the Euston camp delivering food and firewood so know the conditions, so how you held out all that time is amazing. Huge respect to you.”

Another wrote: “Bless you dear Larch, for your courage, conviction and dedicated efforts on behalf of our world. with love and co-rage, Yanai.”

Hannah Denniston wrote: “Larch you are an inspiration!

“Thank you for your dogged persistence to reduce harm and protect all life.

“We need more Larches.”