New UK Fracking Licenses Explained In Three Maps

Fracking in Greater Manchester came a bit closer today as new licenses were announced by the government. They take a little bit of explaining so here goes.

Here is a map of the known to have shale gas reserves in the UK. Note the vast swath of red across the Midlands and the Home Counties.

Now here is a political map of the UK after the last General Election. Note the vast swaths of blue across the Midlands and the Home Counties.

And finally here’s a map of the areas licensed from today. Now take a look at the Midlands and the Home Counties. Notice anything?

So now we know who’s being fracked and why.