A new report published by the Wildlife Trusts says that HS2 will destroy a huge amount of wildlife and irreplaceable habitats if it goes ahead.
What Is HS2?
HS2 is a planned railway that is set to be developed to link the South of England and the North of England - even though there are already railways which do so. It is set to be a high speed railway (which is what HS stands for). It is also set to link Glasgow and Edinburgh, even though there are already railway lines which connects these places.
Plans estimate that this new railway will be 140 miles long.
HS2 was planned in 2012, and the first phase of HS2 was given approval in 2017 - it will be finished between 2028 and 2040, though the cost to wildlife will be massive.
What Will The Cost To Wildlife Be?
A new report published recently by the Wildlife Trusts has revealed the extent to which HS2 will be damaging to wildlife.
The report was conducted by 14 different wildlife charities.
These are threats to wildlife listed by the Wildlife Trusts:
. Ancient woodlands are at risk of destruction: 108 ancient woodlands are at risk of being destroyed by the railway, or damaged by the railway
. 33 Sites of scientific interest are at risk
. At least 80% of the Birmingham and Black Country Nature Improvement Area will be destroyed by the railway
. Rothwell Country Park as at risk of being destroyed
. A total of 693 wildlife sites are at risk of destruction
. There could be local extinctions of endangered species
. 21 local wildlife reserves are at risk of destruction
. 18 Wildlife Trust reserves are at risk of destruction
. Willow Tits are the UK's most endangered bird, and they are at risk of extinction because this railway will go through their habitats
. White-Clawed Crayfish are endangered and at risk from the railway
. Dingy Skipper Butterflies are at risk of extinction due to the railway, these butterflies are listed as a priority species
. Barn Owls, other Owls and Birds of Prey are at risk
. Meadows and wetlands will be destroyed
. Species will become locally extinct and some may never recover from the destruction that this railway would cause to the local environment
The Wildlife Trusts is urging the government to stop the planned HS2 railway line, because of the destruction that it will cause to wildlife and the environment, and because we are currently in an ecological crisis which is leading the Sixth Mass Extinction.
The UK is also one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. We should be striving to protect our wildlife, not destroying it.
How Can You Help Stop HS2?
All hope is not lost, you can help stop HS2 and protect wildlife and the natural world from the destruction that HS2 will cause.
You can help by signing the Wildlife Trusts letter to the Prime Minister - here.
And, you can read the Wildlife Trusts report - here.