Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Mancroft (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 May 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 May 2018. It was answered by Baroness Sugg (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

High Speed 2 Line

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to mitigate the potential disruption to wildlife caused by the construction of the HS2 Phase One line.

Answer

HS2 has been designed with a view to avoiding or reducing impacts on habitats and species. Where avoidance is not possible, mitigation and compensation to address effects on legally protected wildlife includes relocating species and providing replacement habitat.

For example, underpasses and green bridges will provide safe crossing points for bats and other wildlife. Compensation for great crested newts will include replacement ponds, habitat and hibernation features. Many of the first works now underway for the railway involve the creation of such replacement habitats for wildlife.

Measures such as these will contribute to HS2’s overall aim of achieving “no net loss” in biodiversity as a consequence of building the railway.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7909
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Construction Wildlife High Speed 2 line
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk