Chesham and Amersham MP, Sarah Green, has praised the Woodland Trust after meeting with senior officers to discuss local concerns, including the impact of HS2 on the Buckinghamshire countryside.
Lead Government Affairs Officer, Cassie Staines, and Bridget Fox, Regional External Affairs Officer, recently met with the Liberal Democrat MP at Cowcroft Wood in Chesham - one of several managed by the Woodland Trust locally.
During the visit, Sarah heard about the organisation's key local concerns, including their efforts to protect ancient trees and the impact of HS2.
Following the meeting, Sarah said:
"It was great to get out and explore one of our local woodlands today. Spaces like these are cherished by our community, and their conservation is essential if we are to halt the decline of nature in England.
"It is no secret that ancient trees and woodlands throughout the country are under threat from HS2, so it is wonderful to hear of the work the Woodland Trust are doing to protect these important habitats."
On their website, HS2 states: “In line with conservation bodies, HS2 recognises the importance of ancient woodlands and has designed the railway to avoid these habitats wherever possible.
“There are 52,000 ancient woodland sites in England. Our published assessments are that 43 will be affected by HS2’s route between London and Crewe. 80% of the total area of the 43 ancient woodlands will remain intact and untouched by HS2.
“Where an ancient woodland is described as affected, in many cases this means a small section of an overall woodland is affected. For example, on Phase One of the route, 32 ancient woodlands are described as affected but in 19 of these the total area of loss is less than 1 hectare (ha).”
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