Phase 1: construction work begins

Phase 1 of HS2 will link London and Birmingham. 32 ancient woods will be directly affected. A further 29 will suffer secondary effects such as disturbance, noise and pollution.

We campaigned, lobbied and petitioned Government about the impacts of this phase. We argued that HS2 should first avoid and, if not possible, minimise damage to ancient woods and trees, and the species that depend on them.

Unfortunately, HS2 Ltd started removing ancient woodland in Warwickshire in April 2020. This is against all professional guidance - and HS2 Ltd's own commitments which stated this work would only happen in late autumn when the woods were dormant.

The destruction of irreplaceable habitat is devastating, but to do the work at a time of year when the woods are full of life is adding insult to injury. The impact on wildlife such as nesting birds and breeding badgers will be greater. And it hugely increases the chance of the compensation measures – moving the ancient woodland soils to another location - failing. This measure is inadequate and unlikely to succeed anyway, but should certainly be carried out later in the year when everything is dormant.

We’re pressing HS2 Ltd to explain why they have not adhered to commitments made during the Hybrid Bill process.

The four Warwickshire woods directly affected are:

Broadwells Wood

Crackley Wood

Birches Wood

an unnamed wood off Ashow Road.

The loss from these woods totals 4.9 hectares - that’s around the size of 5 football pitches.

If works are happening near you that affect ancient woodland, you can let us know using our report a threat form.