HS2 ‘a threat to flora and fauna’

The HS2 rail project will “push nature to the brink” with ancient woodland and wildlife-rich habitats at risk of destruction or damage, environmentalists have warned.

Installing the high-speed line could affect up to 108 ancient woodlands in England while placing protected creatures such as white-clawed crayfish, the willow tit and the dingy skipper butterfly under threat of local extinction, The Wildlife Trusts has said. A study by the group said the proposed full route could destroy or damage five internationally protected wildlife sites, 693 local wildlife sites and 33 sites of special scientific interest.

The report said: “At a time of continued and devastating wildlife declines and climate emergency, this damage will push nature to the brink.”

The Woodland Trust charity has also called HS2 “the single biggest threat from development” to ancient woods.