HS2 protester blocks digger

A CAMPAIGNER against the high speed rail link HS2 sat under a digger for four hours in protest against tree felling in Harefield.

A digger and workmen were seen at the site in Harvil Road on Monday as they carried out a “site clearance” on behalf of HS2 Ltd.

Protester Sarah Green, of Hillingdon Green Party, sat under the digger in defiance of the work.

The Green Party member, who also drives a passenger boat in the nature reserve in Denham country park, said: “There are a lot of trees that have been chopped down and bulldozed. I’m really concerned that they can do this.”

Sarah explained that an osprey, a species rarely sighted in London, was found at a lake near to the demolition.

She said: “I’ll stay out here as long as I can.”

The Green Party member added she did not mind if it started raining as she has shelter “under the digger”.

The protester remained in place for hours and police showed up at the field at around 4.20pm.

HS2 Ltd and Hillingdon Council have been contacted but had not made a statement at the time of going to press.