As you know, I have already made a number of representations about the preservation of ancient woodland in HS2’s path until the review into its future has concluded. I have met again with the responsible Minister in the Department for Transport, Paul Maynard and discussed with him the current activities of HS2 contractors in Cubbington Wood. I raised in particular the interdependency of smaller plant life and organic materials at ground level with larger trees in the maintenance of ancient woodland. Following our conversation he has told me he will be instructing HS2 Ltd and by extension its contractors to avoid the removal of all vegetation in ancient woodland where, as you know, HS2 Ltd have already accepted that removal trees should not take place until the beginning of next year at the earliest, allowing time for the completion of the Oakervee Review into HS2’s future.
I am sure you will welcome this further progress.
