HS2 has launched
plans for what it calls ‘an unprecedented green corridor’ stretching alongside
the route of the project.
The announcement
includes the news that seven million trees will be planted along the line of
phase 1 from London to Birmingham, and an additional £2m is being made
available in the Woodland Fund to support the planting of trees along phase 2a
from Birmingham to Crewe.
But the Woodland
Trust believes the only thing unprecedented about it is the amount of ancient
woodland the railway will destroy.
More than 40
hectares of rare ancient woodland will be destroyed by HS2. Luci Ryan,
ecologist at the Woodland Trust said: “This is utter greenwash nonsense from an
organisation trying to pretend that HS2 isn’t the most environmentally
destructive infrastructure project this country has seen in decades.
“Some 98 beautiful,
rare, irreplaceable ancient woods will be destroyed or damaged by this scheme.
“That’s 98 habitats
and ecosystems that support a whole host of mammals, birds, invertebrates,
fungi and plants.
“And once that
ancient woodland is gone, it’s gone forever so while planting new trees is all
well and good, it’s no substitute for what will be lost. Their plans - which
let’s not forget are a condition of the scheme, not being delivered out of the
goodness of their hearts – fall woefully short of replacing what will be lost
on something being touted as a green infrastructure project.
“None of this new
planting will replace the 30ha of ancient woodland destroyed on phase 1, and
the £2m they are making available on phase 2a as part of the Woodland Fund will
not replace the 10.2ha of ancient woodland they are destroying there.
“This is like
smashing a Ming vase and replacing it with bargain basement crockery.”
Along the Phase One
route, which covers 216km from London to the West Midlands, the green corridor
will encompass:
- 7 million new trees and
shrubs, including over 40 native species, specific to each location. The
new native woodlands will cover over 9 square kilometres of land.
- Over 33 square kilometres of
new and existing wildlife habitat – equating to an area the size of 4,600
football pitches. That’s an increase of around 30% compared to what’s
there now.
- Tailor-made homes for
wildlife, ranging from bat houses to 226 new ponds for great crested newts
and other amphibians.
- Earthworks and landscaping
which will re-use around 90% of the material excavated during
construction.
- The potential to support
community projects and develop amenity spaces such as access routes,
public parks, open spaces and nature reserves.
As the corridor is
being delivered, HS2 is encouraging local people and organisations to get
involved in everything from landscape design to tree planting. This includes
supporting local environmental projects through its various community funds.
In a related
announcement, the government confirmed a £2 million extension to the HS2
Woodland Fund, so it can cover Phase 2a of the railway, from the West Midlands
to Crewe. The fund is designed to help landowners near to the route directly
create new native, broadleaf woodlands and restore existing ancient woodland
sites. This is in addition to the extensive ‘green corridor’ plans and
community funds that are already in place along the wider route.
Mark Thurston, Chief
Executive of HS2 Ltd, said: "Alongside improving connectivity, boosting
the economy and unlocking new jobs and opportunities, I’m determined to ensure
that HS2 also works for the environment and local communities.
"This starts by
doing everything we can to reduce our environmental footprint and minimise the
expected impact of our construction work. Longer-term, we’ll be leaving behind
a network of new wildlife habitats, woodlands, and community spaces, helping to
create a lasting legacy along the route.
"We’ve already
got to work by supporting a range of community projects and creating a series
of new habitats, including planting over 230,000 trees so far. We’ll be calling
on local people and organisations to get involved as the ‘green corridor’ starts
to take shape."
The government says
the appearance of the green corridor will be tailored to the surrounding
environment, with native tree species used to ensure that the new woodlands
reflect the unique landscape and ecology of the different regions the line
passes through.
As the corridor is
gradually delivered, HS2 is encouraging local people and organisations to get
involved. This includes supporting local environmental projects, through its
various funds including the £45m Community & Environment Fund and Business &
Local Economy Fund.
