Energy company Cuadrilla has confirmed exploratory drilling has started in Balcombe as anti-fracking protests entered their ninth day.
Drilling at the West Sussex site had been delayed by high profile demonstrations, which stopped delivery of trucks and equipment to the site.
“We started test drilling at 11.15am, and we will do a 3,000ft vertical well,” said a Cuadrilla spokesperson.
“We will be there for two to three months.”
If the test drilling finds substantial amounts of gas, the company would move on to fracking, which could cause potential water contamination and environmental damage, the protesters fear.
Francis Egan, the company’s chief executive, tried to reassure the public earlier this week that Cuadrilla had “no intention of ruining the countryside and won’t ruin the countryside”.
More than 30 people have been arrested since the start of the protest last Thursday, mainly on suspicion of obstructing deliveries.