Fears for birds as High Speed 2 clearing starts

WORK on clearing the path for the controversial High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project has started - and is causing quite a flap among local residents.

Stump grinders and excavators arrived at Crackley Gap in Kenilworth last week to clear the way for the HS2 route, which will run by Kenilworth at the back of the University of Warwick campus and the Kenilworth Greenway.

It is part of the first stage of works to build the £50billion line from London Euston to Birmingham Curzon Street which will speed up trains between the two cities. But residents have condemned the work to clear vegetation along the route as they say wildlife will be harmed.

Residents are angry the work is being carried out in the midst of bird nesting season.

Trees and under-brush have been cleared from May 14 to prepare the ground forthe construc- tion of the railway, on which trains will run at 130mph.

A Kenilworth resident, who wants to remain anonymous, said: “They have started chopping down trees and hedgerows on fields around Greenway and on university land.

“This is right in the middle of bird nesting season.”

A spokesperson for HS2 said: “As we deliver HS2, we’re very keen to respect the natural environment and improve conditions where we can.

“This includes working with ecological specialists to ensure no bird nests are disrupted by our work near Crackley Lane.

“We are also creating new wildlife habitats in the wider area, which will be part of an extensive ‘ green corridor’ of woodlands, habitats and community spaces alongside the railway.

“All directly impacted people have been notified about HS2’s vegetation work in the area.

“We have also spoken to various local community groups.”

The spokesperson added that vegetation work during the bird nesting bird season is carried out with an ecological specialist on location. They check and monitor the area before and during any work.

If active nests are found, work would stop immediately and the specialist would ensure the nest is protected.

Warwickshire Police said they are not currently pursuing any wildlife crime incidents at Crackley Gap.

The government is currently seeking tenders for 60 train engines to run on the LondonBirmingham line, as it expects to open the railway in 2026.