TV Naturalist leads protest walk against HS2 tree destruction

A group of environment activists from Thame and Towersey were among over a thousand others from all over the country, who joined Naturalist, Chris Packham at Denham Station on Sunday, for the Stand for the Trees event at Denham Country Park.

Popular TV Presenter of programmes such as Spring Watch, Chris Packham, led campaigners in a Walk for Wildlife and Water through the Colne Valley in an event jointly organised by Extinction Rebellion, Stop HS2 and Save the Colne Valley Wildlife Protection Group.

Danger to water supply

The day was aimed at highlighting the fact that despite there currently being a review of HS2 which could lead to the project being cancelled, ‘the destruction continues unabated’, not just around the Colne Valley, but along the entire 140 miles of Phase 1, of HS2.

The route meant walkers could see first hand the destruction that has already happened and the even more devastating loss of wildlife and habitats that would happen should HS2 go ahead. The event also highlighted the fact that HS2 potentially endangers the water supply of some 3.2 Million Affinity Water Customers and there has still been no published assessment of this risk.

Protection camps

The event was the latest in a number of collaborations between Stop HS2 and Extinction Rebellion, many of which have focussed on the Colne Valley Protection, which is one of four sites where campaigners have set up protection camps, with the intent of stopping HS2 Ltd from damaging habitats and the ecosystem, especially given that HS2 is not only under review, but has not received final ‘Notice to Proceed’.

‘Expect ferocious public opposition’

Chris Packham, on behalf of the Rethink HS2 alliance of environmental organisations said: “HS2 involves one of the largest deforestation programmes since the First World War, damaging more than 100 ancient woodlands along the planned route, along with dozens of wildlife habitats. If this project gets the go ahead, and I sincerely hope that it doesn’t for so many reasons, you can  to it, and I will be happy to lead that from the environmental perspective.”

Cathy Gaulter Carter, who lives in Towersey, was among the group from Thame who joined Chris on Sunday. She explained why she decided to support Chris Packham’s walk:

Cathy Gaulter Carter (left) with fellow HS2 protestor

“I have been opposed to HS2 from the start: the destruction of our countryside with no benefit to locals. Since joining the walk I have actually seen an example of just one the magnificent areas for wildlife that is about to be devastated.

‘It is criminal for this scheme to go ahead’

“As we are facing a climate emergency, it is criminal for this scheme to go ahead. The area where we were walking is above an aquifer that naturally purifies drinking water for London – this will be replaced by concrete pylons. This is literally right by Boris’s constituency in Uxbridge. Horrifying! Birmingham airport is already spending £500 million to expand for the proposed increase in passengers. This a a nonsense when I thought the whole point of the train was to replace the aeroplane.

“HS2 must be stopped! The walk has made me much more aware of the tragedy that is unfolding.”

Sarah Green, founder of the Colne Valley HS2 Protection Camp said: “People need to be made aware of the horrendous impact HS2 will have, especially on water supplies. If people knew what was actually happening, there would be an outcry as the chalk is prone to cracking and fissuring and working around historic landfills is a recipe for disaster. The work HS2 are conducting now must be halted.”

200 year-old Plus Oak tree threatened with felling to make way for HS2

‘Wanton devastation’

Joe Rukin, Stop HS2 Campaign Manager said: “Even though there is currently a review that could lead to the cancellation of the project, the destruction continues relentlessly, and it is now clear that while HS2 Ltd want to continue with this wanton devastation, the HS2 project will face more and more direct action against it. HS2 has only got this far because it has been lobbied for by the construction industry, and the whims of these vested interest bodies cannot be prioritised against taking action to fight the climate emergency.”

Threat to the Chilterns

Part of the phase 1 of the HS2 route cuts right through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty and the Chilterns Conservation Board, based in Chinnor, has been opposed to HS2 from the beginning. It welcomed the review announced by the government and has recently written to Douglas Oakervee at the Department for Transport, explaining why it believes HS2 should be scrapped. In the letter, the Board writes:

Scheme is ‘directly contradictory to key Government policies and ambitions’

“Since the HS2 route was first announced in 2010, we believe the context of HS2 has changed considerably. In particular, the nation’s -and the Government’s -understanding and appreciation of the value of our natural world has increased significantly. We therefore take the view that to continue with HS2 would not only be damaging to the environment and people’s wellbeing, but also be directly contradictory to key Government policies and ambitions. In recent years the Government has increased its focus on the environment and has made a commitment to leaving the natural environment in a better state for future generations. It also aspires to be a global leader on the environment.”

What could HS2 mean for Thame?

LINK HERE –  HS2 Railway – What it could mean for Thame –

The case for HS2, phase One

According to the government: “The main benefits of Phase One (from London to Birmingham) will be to provide more intercity train services; additional capacity on the main lines for commuter services in to Birmingham and London and additional capacity for freight. In addition, from day one, Phase One will improve journey times and train services to the North West because these will use the new track from Birmingham to London.” LINK https://www.hs2.org.uk/