More than 28,000 people have added their voice to a Woodlands Trust’s campaign. It opposes the destruction of at least 19 ancient woodlands for Phase 2b of the environmentally caustic project. It’s the largest number of responses the charity has seen for one of its campaigns to protect woods under threat.
Abi Bunker, Director of Conservation and External Affairs said:“We will submit all the responses on our supporters’ behalf before HS2 Ltd’s public consultation closes this month. With the stark message that it’s about time they sat up and listened to the groundswell of public opinion.
“They cannot continue to ride roughshod over our precious habitats like this. We stand to lose not just the woodland but the hundreds of species that call it home. Once it’s gone it’s gone forever as no amount of replanting can compensate for the loss.”
The Woodlands Trust’s campaign launched in October in response to HS2 Ltd publishing its draft environmental statement for Phase 2b. Revealing the shocking news that at least 19 ancient woods are facing loss–double the Trust’s original estimation.
Phase 2b will run from Birmingham to Leeds (123 miles) and Crewe to Manchester (51 miles). The route will cause damage and deterioration to 11 more through noise, vibration, changes to lighting and dust.
The Trust is continuing to press for the proposed route to be realigned. Alternatively for tunnelling to be considered to save the habitats currently under threat.
