The group, which opposed to the development of the mine, says it plans to stay for a week.
It is unclear how many protesters are at the site on the outskirts of the west Cumbria town but a marquee, numerous tents and several vehicles could be seen from the perimeter fence.
The group refused to speak to the BBC, but in a statement said it had "squatted" the site in protest against the plans. It read: "We have chosen to occupy the site of the proposed Whitehaven mine to send a message to those on the isles and across the world, this mine will not go ahead, leave the coal in the hole."Mr Starkie, the former Conservative mayor for the area, is a supporter of the project and said the protesters were "not welcome" in Whitehaven."Currently, we need to use the coal to make steel and there is no viable alternative.
The BBC understands the land, on the site of a former chemical works, is owned by West Cumbria Mining although the company did not respond when approached for comment.
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