'Most fragile habitats at risk' from HS2

Proposed plans for High Speed Rail could put Cheshire's most valued and fragile habitats at risk, according to the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

The conservation charity has initially identified several designated Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) that it says will be 'directly impacted' by the proposed HS2 'Y' route, along with additional fears over its own Holcroft Moss nature reserve near Risley Moss in Warrington.

The affected Local Wildlife Sites contain habitats including ancient woodland – generally only recognised when more than 400 years old – species-rich grasslands and ponds.

The Trust has also pointed to the fact that Cheshire already has one of the lowest amounts of woodland land cover anywhere in the UK at around 6.4% (compared to a UK average of more than 10%).

Of most concern for the charity however, has been the route shown running to the edge of its Holcroft Moss reserve, the last remaining peat bog in the county that has not been 'cut over' or affected by peat extraction works.

The Trust has spent a number of years reinstating the carefully balanced hydrological features of the habitat – which is recognised in its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status – but fears that construction processes may jeopardise the 'integrity' of the site.

Charlotte Harris, Cheshire Wildlife Trust's Director of Conservation said: "It's clear the government see High Speed Rail as the best deal for the North West economy, but it's our job to ensure we get the best deal for wildlife too.

"Any loss of woodland – especially centuries-old ancient woodland – would be a blow to a county where the habitat is already thin on the ground. In this case, screening or carbon-offset tree planting that has been suggested previously would not adequately mitigate for the potential damage.

"We're also keen to understand from HS2 exactly how they propose to minimise the impact on our Holcroft Moss reserve with the line passing extremely close to the south west corner.

"These are wild places that shouldn't fall under the rails, and we'll be analysing the entire route in detail looking at 'zones of impact' in the coming days and weeks."

The Trust also highlighted that the Government has set its own commitments for biodiversity within the Natural Environment White Paper ('White Paper for Nature'), which called for 'more, bigger, better and joined' habitats for biodiversity.

Charlotte Harris added: "Such a large-scale project does offer the potential to provide opportunities for the region's biodiversity, and we'll be working to ensure the balance falls in favour of wildlife wherever we can."

Other wildlife areas where the 'Y' route will pass in close proximity include National Nature Reserve and internationally recognised 'Ramsar' site Rostherne Mere north of Knutsford, where HS2 have already said that measures will need to be taken to minimise 'indirect effects' on birds.

Tags:
Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Hs2
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