CAMPAIGNERS have outlined how HS2 preparatory working harming the environment is continuing in Warwickshire – despite the government’s review announced last week.
The Cubbington Action Group Against HS2 has painted a picture of ongoing harm to beautiful countryside – despite ministerial claims the review will consider whether or not to scrap the high speed rail scheme phase 1 between London and Birmingham.
A haven for wildlife is now “unrecognisable”.
It says: “Preparatory works for the HS2 rail line started in earnest in Cubbington in the spring. To date, in the area surrounding South Cubbington Wood, fields have been fenced off from footpaths, rough roads created for heavy plant and patches of bare earth are everywhere.
“Ponds are being built in several places. Trees have been planted in several fields in the name of habitat creation, but this sadly included destroying a grassland area by the River Leam, a favourite place for meadow butterflies, and the nesting grounds of skylarks between the wood and river.
“Last week saw the announcement of an independent review of the whole scheme. Despite this and the fact that the final go-ahead has not yet been given, HS2 Ltd’s “environmental” contractors, Laing Murphy, are continuing work regardless.
“On 22 August they tore out part of an ancient hedge next to the pear tree to create a road along the south side of the wood. Anti-HS2 and environmental campaigners have called for a halt to all work pending the result of the review, but so far in vain.
“Local MPs have been informed and complaints submitted to HS2 Ltd. A few weeks ago HS2 Ltd representatives said that there would be ‘significant vegetation clearance’ in the area.
“We fear that this means the destruction of the central swathe of South Cubbington Wood and, possibly, the veteran pear tree. Campaigners are adamant that work should stop until the review’s outcome is known and/or the final go ahead is given.”
Frances Wilmot from Cubbington Action Group said:” “On 25 August I walked up to the famous award-winning pear tree and South Cubbington Wood in order to view HS2 construction work.
“The doomed tree is festooned with coloured ribbons from well-wishers and an ancient hedge by the pear tree has been partly demolished to enable the construction of a temporary access road.
“Barriers are all over the area although footpaths are still open. Near the pear tree in the field can be seen a large ‘car park’ for HS2 construction workers, near another new road.
“Near the Avon Way footpath going through the ancient woodland can be seen another area taken over by HS2 Ltd that has a new pond, while the farmer’s field is much reduced for crop growing.
“This gem of a place in Warwickshire, a former haven for wildlife and a place of peace and beauty, is unrecognisable….”
HS2 Limited has said “limited preparatory work” would continue during the review, expected to take months.
Joe Rukin, Campaign Manager of Stop HS2, has said: “If this is to be a genuine review as to whether to go ahead or not with the project, the government must cease all works immediately, because damage to irreplaceable habitats and ancient woodland is happening as we speak. This destruction must stop now, not in a couple of weeks, not in a couple of months, not at Christmas, now.”
