Staffordshire nature charity in HS2 select committee first
A nature conservation charity has become one of the first wildlife and environmental organisations in the UK to appear before the HS2 Select Committee.
Representatives from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust presented problems and evidence surrounding the wildlife impacts of the proposed high speed rail link at Parliament.
HS2 representatives also presented their answers and were further questioned about what they would do.
It comes as it was confirmed high speed trains would stop off at Stafford on the so-called Handsacre Link.
The nine-mile stretch linking with the West Coast Mainline had been expected to be scrapped but HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins this week revealed he wanted it to go ahead.
During the wildlife trust's appearance before the committee, it argued that key background data and some important mammal species such as pine marten, brown hare and deer have not been considered in the HS2 impact assessment.
And bosses said HS2 should plan a 'living landscape' around the route, to create areas where wildlife can survive.
Kate Dewey, planning and conservation officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said, "We had some positive answers and discussions on some points but very little on others, so the next step is to agree in writing with HS2 how they are going to progress actions.
"They have invited our input in future, so we'll carry on working with them to get better results for wildlife. We'll also be helping out our colleagues at other Wildlife Trusts and fellow environmental organisations as they prepare for their hearings, and expect many more important issues for wildlife and the countryside to be raised over the coming months."
The Trust's appearance received praise by one of the members, Sir Peter Bottomley MP.
Sir Bottomley said: "The presentation and the questions of the witness have been exemplary, and I hope others will use that as a model, because it's relevant and precise."
In total, 27 wildlife sites will be directly affected in Staffordshire as part of the HS2 plans.
The trust has launched a public appeal to raise £17,500 to cover the costs it will incur standing up for wildlife against HS2 through extra staff time, legal fees and extra habitat surveys.
