The Woodland Trust say “irreplaceable” ancient woodlands will be lost if HS2 goes ahead.
The organisation made their comments ahead of a House of Commons debate on the issue.
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant will open up the discussion tomorrow (July 3), after saying he was keen to “point out the destructive nature of the route of HS2”.
And Sue Holden, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, believes the debate is needed.
“Hundreds of years’ worth of gradual evolution in these woods could be lost forever for the sake of a few minutes’ travel,” she said. “So we will be watching tomorrow’s debate with interest and are obviously very pleased to see the subject given this platform for discussion.
“With the draft Environmental Statement currently out for consultation, but comprising a superficial and incomplete document, missing vital information on the impacts of this scheme, the debate could not have come at a better time.
“We have long said that HS2’s credibility as a ‘green’ transport measure is seriously compromised by the fact that the route will have a detrimental impact on ancient woodland.
“It must be understood that there can be no mitigation for ancient woodland loss – it is irreplaceable – and we expect to see this acknowledged with a commitment to show that every possible strategy has been taken to minimise the impact.
“New planting, although vital to mitigate against the impact of HS2 itself, will never have the same value for wildlife as ancient woodland, which is rare, irreplaceable and supports at least 256 species of conservation concern.”
