Topical Commentary • construction safety Phase One, some 10 tunnel boring machines (each a self- contained underground factory)
West Midlands, 60,000 trees will be planted at locations around South Cubbington Woods, Ashbeds Wood, Fulfen Wood, Ravenshaw and Broadwells Wood. A broad range of tree and shrub species will be planted to reflect each local area, including oak, hazel, birch, holly and hawthorn. This builds on the 80,000 trees already planted in the Midlands, with 40
running through the spine of the country. “We are planting more than double the area of woodland than has been affected along the route between Birmingham and London creating 33 square kilometres of new woodland and wildlife habitat – an area over 7 times bigger than Sherwood Forest Nature Reserve. “Some of the country’s most experienced ecologists are working with us and we’re pleased that HS2 can sustain
will work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Weighing up to 2,200 tonnes, each 160m long machine will bore and line the tunnels as they drive forward at speeds of up to 15 metres per day.
Hs2 is set to reach a 730,000 planted trees landmark by spring 2021
ponds and many acres of wetland,
jobs in this specialised profession and play an important role in the UK’s
There is a great fly through video on YouTube which details the complete route from Birmingham to London including the Long Itchington Woods Tunnel that is well worth watching. Environmental HS2 is set to reach a 730,000 planted trees landmark by Spring 2021. In Warwickshire and the wider
heathland and meadow also created across the region. HS2’s Environment Director Peter Miller states: “HS2’s extensive tree planting programme this winter is the next step in delivering our Green Corridor which will see up to 7 million new trees and shrubs planted between London and the West Midlands and which will support delicately balanced local ecosystems
economic recovery. We’re also looking for opportunities to expand the benefits of the green corridor and we encourage local communities to apply for funding that’s available.” Watching the fly-through video, it becomes clear to see exactly how HS2 will fit into the environment that is being expertly created for it. ■
40 • FEBRUARY 2021 • Plant Planet
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