Stop and Rethink HS2

Ecosystems permanently damaged. Irreplaceable habitats destroyed. Taxpayer's money spent on restoration wasted. Wildlife extinctions at a local level. This could be nature’s fate if the current plans for HS2 continue.

Update 11 February 2020

Sadly, on 11 February, the government gave the green light to the High Speed 2 rail project, without even acknowledging the devastating impact on the hundreds of precious wild places and the wildlife that depends on them – that lie in the path of the route. 

We are hugely disappointed by this decision for which, once again, nature will pay the price. However, we will continue to campaign for a greener and more sustainable approach of HS2. 

Read our press release

Update 04 February 2020

The response to our ask for individuals across the UK to sign our letter, urging the Prime Minister to Stop and Rethink HS2, has been overwhelming. Today we headed to Downing Street with the letter and the support of over 66,000 signatories! Over 13,000 of these fantastic supporters also left personal comments to the Prime Minister, sharing why this campaign means so much to them. 

What's the Damage? Why HS2 will cost nature too much

In the most comprehensive environmental assessment to date, we can reveal the sheer scale of potential damage from HS2. Our report shows that the deep cut HS2 will make across the landscape could stop nature’s recovery in its tracks. As the costs to nature escalate, we’ve urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to use his power now to stop and rethink this project, or the scar may never heal.

HS2 and the environment

Hundreds of important habitats and special wild places are under threat from the government's proposed High Speed 2 (HS2) rail network. Ancient woodland, lakes, meadows and other important habitats are at risk. Yet, there has not been a Strategic Environmental Assessment and the compensation plans being put forward are not good enough.

The Government and HS2 Ltd acknowledge that the route can't be delivered without extreme harm to the natural environment. Furthermore, the deep cut and divisive scar the route will cause along the length of England's habitats pose a genuine barrier to the urgent action required to recover nature and restore landscapes. The current approach to HS2 means that a Nature Recovery Network would be impossible.

The potential damage is too great - especially while we are facing an ecological and climate emergency. We need HS2 Ltd to stop and rethink.