London Wildlife Trust today expresses disappointment as the first phase of High Speed 2 (HS2) is given the go-ahead by the Transport Secretary. Significant damage to biodiversity and wildlife habitats is expected as a result of the route’s construction.
Research by The Wildlife Trusts shows the route for HS2 phase one, to run from London to Birmingham, could threaten 160 wildlife sites. In London over 18 wildlife sites could be directly adversely affected, including the Mid-Colne Valley SSSI (Hillingdon borders), and Perivale Wood in Ealing (Britain’s second oldest nature reserve, opened in 1902).
Additional measures to reduce negative impacts, including tunnel construction, were announced by Justine Greening today. In London a tunnel is now being proposed between Northolt and Ruislip. It remains to be seen the construction impacts of this tunnel might have on neighbouring wildlife sites.
Mathew Frith, for London Wildlife Trust, said:
“The Transport Secretary says Government is committed to the ‘lowest feasible impact’ on wildlife. Yet the mitigation measures announced focus only on the noise and visual impact of HS2, not on the more critical environmental impacts. It is vital that the impacts on wildlife are not overlooked yet again in this process.
“London Wildlife Trust will be working with our fellow Wildlife Trusts and other partners on behalf of wildlife in the next steps.”
London Wildlife Trust is urging local people to sign an e-petition to stop HS2. The petition needs at least 100,000 signatures to force a parliamentary debate on the issue. Please sign it here.
Read more about The Wildlife Trust’s position on HS2 here.