Following the recommendations of the independent Oakervee Review, the then Prime Minister approved HS2 in 2020. As a result of this, construction on Phase One is now progressing, it is already supporting 30,000 jobs and working with 2,700 businesses, 97 per cent of which are UK-based. 

HS2 will play an important role in the UK’s transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2050. To that extent, I know that HS2 will offer some of the lowest carbon emissions per passenger km, seven times less than passenger cars and 17 times less than domestic air travel in 2030. Indeed, HS2 is expected to help reduce the number of cars and lorries on the road and cut demand for domestic flights.

A green corridor

A green corridor is being created alongside the railway, with 800,000 trees and shrubs already planted along the route. The green corridor will ultimately see seven million new trees and shrubs, including over 40 native species, planted along the Phase One route from London to the West Midlands. And further, a £70 million funding package has been made available to enhance community facilities, improve access to the countryside, and help improve road and cycle safety in towns and villages along the HS2 Phase One route.

Ancient woodlands

I want to reassure you that HS2 is using a combination of approaches to compensate for the ancient woodlands lost during construction. This includes translocation of soil to other woodlands to improve their biodiversity, planting new woodland and restoring existing ancient woodland.

The HS2 Woodland Fund – overseen by the Forestry Commission – funds projects to support the creation, restoration and enhancement of woodland on private land or in partnership with multiple landowners. The HS2 Woodland Fund opened in February 2018. The Scheme provides funding to support native woodland creation or the restoration of ancient woodland sites within a 25-mile zone surrounding the Phase One HS2 route from London to the West Midlands. This includes £3.25m of new funding launched in June 2023.

Nesting Birds

HS2 Ltd and its contractors are obliged to comply with all relevant legislation on nesting birds. Indeed, all birds, as well as their nests and eggs, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and all HS2 vegetation clearance is accompanied by measures to prevent any breach of the law. When habitat clearances need to be undertaken during bird nesting season, these clearances are carried out in accordance with guidance from trained ecologists, in line with Natural England guidance.

A Working Method Statement is completed before clearance work starts and appropriate ecological supervision is also provided. Work can also only commence when an ecologist has finished a pre-commencement site survey and given a Permit to Clear. All work needs to be monitored by the on-site ecologist, and the ecologist can halt works if necessary.

Buffer Zones are implemented if breeding birds are present during works, to allow work to continue in the surrounding area.