Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a process used to extract natural gas and oil from shale rock formations deep underground. In the United Kingdom, hydraulic fracturing is used to access shale gas reserves located in the Bowland Shale formation in northern England. The process involves drilling a well into the shale formation and then pumping a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the well at high pressure. This fractures the shale, releasing the gas and oil trapped inside. The gas and oil are then collected and brought to the surface.