Thames tunnel ‘will harm nature’

A proposed road tunnel under the Thames will destroy “irreplaceable” ancient woodland and harm wildlife, conservationists have said.

National Highways says the Lower Thames Crossing is the UK’S most ambitious roads project for more than 30 years. It will almost double road capacity across the river east of London and ease congestion on the Dartford Crossing.

The roads agency said the new route would connect residents to jobs, boost the economy, create public parks and replant 260 hectares of woodland – six times more trees than lost.

But the Woodland Trust said the tunnel, currently out for public consultation, would destroy ancient woodlands, fell veteran trees, increase pollution and affect wildlife such as hazel dormice. The charity also raised concerns about a lack of transparency over the environmental impacts of the taxpayer-funded scheme.*