Hundreds of people participated in a weekend fundraising walk organised by an environmental lobby group.

The Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) estimated that between 300 and 350 joined yesterday's stroll which took them from Warwick Long Bay to the Southlands property and back.

Sales of T-shirts commemorating the day raised more than $11,000 for the taskforce, which will spend it on projects opposing the development of Southlands and promoting sustainable development.

"It was a tremendous success. It was nice to see the solidarity and support," said BEST chairman Stuart Hayward. "The walk sent the message that there are a lot of people who are opposed not just to the development of Southlands. We are not opposed to hotel development, but to the concept of building on green space when there are already pre-developed spaces that would be better to build on."

Developers behind a planned five-star resort at the Southlands site in Warwick have requested a special development order (SDO) from the Ministry of Environment to speed up its construction. If granted, the SDO would also allow part of the project to be built on environmentally protected land.

Mr. Hayward said the funds raised during yesterday's walk would go into coffers earmarked for a Judicial Review if Minister Neletha Butterfield gives the green light to the SDO.

Other projects will also benefit. BEST is producing a video of key speeches made at a lobby meeting held at West Pembroke Primary last month, including those from wildlife champion David Wingate and former Planning Director Rudolph Hollis. In addition, a forum on the topic of tourism development is planned. A panel of experts will be assembled, said Mr. Hayward, including economists, scientists and people pushing for the development of Southlands.