A report from local the Woodland Trusts last week disclosed that HS2 will destroy or irreparably damage five internationally protected wildlife sites, 693 local wildlife sites, 108 ancient woodlands and 33 legally protected sites of special scientific interest.

The cost of such a rail-line is astronomical! The Oakervee report, an independent review into HS2 commissioned by the government, has estimated that costs could rise to as high as £106bn, up from £88bn last year. And is estimated for completion between 2036-2040 (20 years from now!!!)

There is no argument that the UKs rail network is broken, with tickets being hugely expensive and large swaths of the country being largely unconnected (much of Wales for example). But the environmental degradation that will follow the construction of this rail-line alongside the enormous cost make it so damaging. This project could suck all momentum from any other railway investment for the next 20 years.

Instead tax payers money could be invested in local transport, local infrastructure and existing or decommissioned rail-lines. This could motivate larger groups of people across the country to move away from using cars and help us nationally reduce our carbon footprint.