Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the actions of HS2 Ltd in the Jones’ Hill Wood area on protected species in that area; what discussions they have had with HS2 Ltd about ceasing any such further actions until a full presence and absence survey of all moderate and high potential bat roost trees at the site has been (1) undertaken, and (2) published for peer review; and what plans they have to ensure that work on HS2 in the Jones’ Hill Wood area complies with guidance issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on bat protection and licences.

HS2 Ltd has not commenced works in Jones Hill Wood, and to date no bat roosts (breeding, resting or sheltering places) have been confirmed within the trees in the area.

The presence of illegal trespassers on HS2 Ltd land in recent weeks at Jones Hill Wood has meant that HS2 Ltd has not been able to undertake comprehensive bat surveys in order to confirm whether bats are present. With the trespassers now evicted, HS2 Ltd has commenced bat surveys, and should they be identified, then HS2 Ltd will apply for the appropriate licences and put mitigation measures in place.

HS2 Ltd undertook an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to support the production of the Phase One Environmental Statement. The EIA was also supported by ecological/ environmental information obtained from local environment records centres (and local groups). The EIA accompanied the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill which Parliament considered in detail and gave its consent, with Royal Assent granted on 23 February 2017.

HS2 Ltd is currently undertaking ecological surveys at many locations, including Jones Hill Wood. Where protected species are identified from such surveys, specific mitigation measures will be implemented, which are covered under a licence from Natural England, where required. Works which are relevant to requiring licence will only take place when those licenses and permissions have been provided.

HS2 Ltd takes its legal obligations seriously, and all its ecology work is carried out in accordance with the law. Licenses from Natural England ensure that HS2 Ltd has the right safeguarding in place to protect wildlife species, including bats, and that all protections are met.