Fabricant: HS2 threatens ancient woods

He said the preferred routes for both phases of the high-speed rail line will cause loss or damage to at least 67 irreplaceable ancient woods.

"People just don't understand that ancient woods are unique and contain soils that have been undisturbed for centuries, forming the UK's richest land habitat for wildlife," he told Central Lobby.

"They make up just 2% of this country's land area and cannot be trans-located or moved. Once destroyed they are lost forever.

"Instead of using existing transport corridors, Phase 1 of HS2 in particular ploughs a deep furrow across some of England's most beautiful countryside hitherto unblemished by heavy engineering and man's intervention.

"I shall be interested in what other MPs have to say and the response of the Transport minister, Simon Burns."

The Woodland Trusthas campaigned against the proposed route for HS2.

Chief executive Sue Holden said:

"Hundreds of years’ worth of gradual evolution in these woods could be lost forever for the sake of a few minutes’ travel so we will be watching today's debate with interest.

"We 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."

The Woodland Trustsaid there can be no mitigation for ancient woodland loss as it is irreplaceable.

"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," Ms Holden said.

Photo credit: Christina Byrne