The notice was granted at Lanark Sheriff Court on Monday morning, with demonstrators bracing themselves for their inevitable removal.

A statement from Douglas Community Council, on behalf of those occupying the wood — which is set to be the site of a new opencast mine — was handed to the court.

It reads: "We were unaware that planning permission had been granted. As an objector to the application the planning authority have not told us they have released the planning permission.

"Usually the planning authority send a letter telling objectors that permission has been granted.

"Even if permission has been granted it seems that landowners are breaching that permission.

"The local authority were to place conditions on the permission in respect of not disturbing bats, otters and badgers. Some of these animals have protection on a European level and Scottish Natural Heritage must give permission to the landowner to move or disturb such animals.

"In addition trees are already felled on the site. The landowners should have a felling licence to do this."

For more information on this article, see this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette, which is in the shops now.