Tree felling can continue for HS2 near Wendover

The High Court has lifted a ban imposed just over a week ago

Author: Dan GoodingPublished 28th Apr 2021

HS2 can re-start cutting down trees near Wendover.

The High Court has lifted a ban on felling at Jones Hill Wood, whilst both protesters wait for a full review into work licensed by Natural England.

Campaigners have branded this a 'dismal decision' and say they need to keep fighting to protect other woodlands.

In a statement, protesters said:

"Tragically, despite the wealth of evidence to support the need for wildlife protection at Jones Hill Wood the weight of importance instead falls on how much will be lost financially to HS2 if there are further delays and targets are not met.

"After a long campaign to save this wood, supported by The Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trusts, Chiltern Conservation board, CPRE and thousands of locals, this ancient iconic site, home to the Fantastic Mr.Fox and many rare species, has been given the go ahead to be destroyed."

We heard on Friday that HS2 were appealing the earlier decision.

This all surrounds concerns that work licensed by Natural England is doing damage to wildlife in the area, with particular worries around bat boxes.

READ MORE: All our stories about HS2

Natural England have a blogpost explaining the license, explaining their position in this situation and answering questions.

"Q: Does Natural England endorse the felling of ancient woodland?"

"Any loss of ancient woodland is significant and should be avoided. The decision to progress HS2 taken by Government, and endorsed by Parliament, accepted some loss of ancient woodland. The planning system does allow for this in some exceptional circumstances as long as it is minimised and mitigation and compensation is in place.

"Following the decision to proceed with HS2, Natural England has been instrumental in ensuring this compensation and mitigation is workable and meaningful. We have continued to work closely with HS2 along the route to minimise impact as works commence on the ground."

But campaigners fighting the works said last night:

"The case raises a very important issue where sensitive ecological habitats are threatened by nationally important infrastructure like HS2.

"What happened in this case is not a one-off licencing decision by Natural England and the judgement matters far beyond the ancient woodland trees at Jones Hill Woods.

"It creates a very dangerous precedent for HS2 and other developers."

An HS2 spokesperson told The Guardian**:**

“We strongly welcome this judgment. All HS2 ecological work is designed to protect wildlife, and at Jones’ Hill Wood as across the whole HS2 route we ensure that all works are carried out in accordance with the correct legal requirements.

"Once built, HS2 will get people out of cars and off planes and on to trains, helping Britain to fight climate change. But even before HS2 starts operating we are working hard to protect, preserve and enhance Britain’s precious natural environment.”

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