HS2 in Warwickshire

The Trust expresses initial concerns about the plans to create a High Speed Rail link (HS2) between London and Birmingham. The charity cite concerns about the line passing through a range of nationally and county important wildlife sites in Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick district, Solihull and North Warwickshire. Fears highlighted about potentially profound effects on some of the county’s most important biodiversity in areas like the Tame Valley.

The Trust joins 36 local Wildlife Trusts to co-sign and send a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron asking him to withdraw the current HS2 proposal and fully consider the role of high speed rail in England. The letter expresses shared concern at the potentially serious damage to wildlife and the countryside presented by the development.

The Trust submits its HS2 Consultation Response, highlighting concerns on the likely impact the proposed route could have on biodiversity and the natural environment in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.

In particular, the response states that the proposed route between London and Birmingham passes through 4 districts within the county, potentially impacting directly or indirectly on 90 statutory or non-statutory wildlife sites.

In support of similar action by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Willdlife Trust, the Trust writes to the European Commission to lodge a formal complaint over the alleged failure of the UK Government to comply with the SEA and Habitats Directives with respect to the Department of the Transport's High Speed Rail Strategy (HS2).

Government confirm the London to Birmingham part of HS2's route. Later this year, the Trust bring a judicial review against the scheme.

The Trust petitions against HS2. The petition, which was handed to Parliament by Chief Executive Ed Green, sets out the Trust’s concerns about the HS2 scheme and seeks changes to the Bill to address the negative effects that the proposed railway could have on wildlife in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.

Chief Executive Ed Green and Living Landscapes Manager Gina Rowe appear in front of the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill Select Committee to discuss the inadequacy of ecological data used in the ecological survey, net gain for biodiversity and potential impact on ancient woodland amongst other issues. They appear a second time in July. Watch footage here, from 11:14 to 12:32.

Chief Executive Ed Green is interviewed for a piece in The Guardian titled 'HS2: the human cost of Britain's most expensive ever rail project' - and discussed creating a natural corridor through the countryside, offering surveying expertise and tunneling under South Cubbington Wood.

The first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham is given Royal Assent.

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP announces independent, cross-party review led by former Chairman of HS2 Douglas Oakervee into whether and how HS2 should proceed.

We support The Wildlife Trusts' comprehensive environmental assessment, which reveals the sheer scale of potential damage from HS2 and encourage members to write to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asking him to use his power now to stop and rethink this project.

Following reports from concerned local residents about HS2’s working practices on the ground, we contribute to a blog series, in partnership with other Wildlife Trusts around the UK, highlighting the issues raised and the need for HS2 to raise its aspiration for its environmental impact. Read Ian's blog post here. 

We endorse this joint statement issued by The Wildlife Trusts, The RSPB and Woodland Trust:

“HS2 Ltd has had many years to plan and deliver what is the country’s largest major infrastructure project. The scheme must set an example and show best practice in its environmental protection and management, and not lead the system astray by limiting transparency or disregarding due diligence. In the case of ecological surveys and the obtaining of correct licences for instance, HS2 Ltd has had more than adequate time to follow the proper processes. It would be a grave error if the Government allowed work to proceed that could be illegal as well as actively endangering wildlife – risking undermining every environmental commitment the Government has made about HS2. We urge the Secretary of State to listen to and act on the concerns raised by professional ecologists.”

Following an episode of BBC Countryfile which reported on HS2, we emailed our members with an update on our position. Countryfile were investigating whether schemes such as HS2 tally with the government’s green pledges. Our answer to the question is simply: no. Planting trees and translocating wildlife does not make up for the loss of irreplaceable ancient habitats.

We are calling for the government to stop HS2 and rethink its whole approach to the project. Our national ‘What’s the damage’ report sets out the exorbitant cost to nature and the harm that is being done to our countryside by HS2. We shared the latest petition launched by Chris Packham asking Parliament to debate the environmental impact of HS2. With over 140,000 signatures, Parliament will consider this for debate. Unfortunately, due to coronavirus, all parliamentary debates have been postponed, but we hope a date will be set soon and urge all our supporters to sign it.  

On 12^th April, The Wildlife Trusts met with HS2Ltd to highlight poor practice and to talk about nature impacts. They committed to make up for the damage the project is causing as it’s crucial there is no overall loss of biodiversity. So, we were shocked to learn that there is STILL no joined-up plan for nature. How will these commitments be met? And how will HS2ltd go beyond that, and put more back for nature than it takes away? We need Biodiversity Net Gain.

Read our follow up letter here

We still want the Gov to #RethinkHS2 – and while construction continues, environmental obligations must be fully met, and high standards adhered to.