Chris Packham blasts HS2 and ‘greedy’ government as next phase gets green light

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Chris Packham is known on-screen for his love of nature as he presents as part of Winterwatch. Amid the second phase of high-speed rail network HS2 being given the green light, the presenter has highlighted to his 453,000 followers on Twitter of the effect the project could have on its surrounding environment.

The wildlife conservationist said: “And here’s the second… HS2: Next phase of controversial rail network gets green light. 

“Billions of pounds, tonnes of carbon, dead trees, birds, bats and badgers…

“So much for all their posturing about a green economy. Greedy more like.”

The latest phase of the project sees the work from the West Midlands to Crewe given the green light.

In response to the presenter’s post, many shared Chris’ frustration.

One fan wrote: “This terrible project needs to brought to the notice of the greater public.

“I’ve spoken to people who don’t even know what HS2 is.

“It seems like it’s only those on S/M that know anything about it.”(sic)

Another added: “I don’t get it – just to arrive somewhere 20 minutes earlier ,a cruel and ridiculous sacrifice for the benefit of a tiny minority.”

A third echoed: “Totally devastated news. We are destroy everything on this innocent planet earth. These people are so pathetic and bl**dy greedy.”

Others have since disagreed with Chris, with one adding: “Its superpainful to say this as I greatly admire you but I think on this your wrong.”

Another agreed: “Fantastic news! Now let’s press on & get this wonderful project completed.”

Earlier this year, Chris warned of the implications HS2 could have on the surrounding wildlife.

Celebrating the new year on Twitter, he shared a video, saying: “Happy new year… or is it?

“Imagine you’re a dormouse curled up in your little leafy nest asleep waiting for the spring.

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“Or perhaps down in you sett, resting until the weather gets a bit better so you can come out and forage.

“Or maybe, you’re a bat hanging up, hibernating in your roost, again looking forward to those bright sunny days where insects will fly in the sky, and you can fly out too and feast upon them.

“Well you might be able to do all of that, but not if you’re a dormouse a badger or a bat in the way of HS2.”

He went on to talk of the number of areas the project would affect, adding: “This project is going to plough through 108 ancient woodlands, 33 sites of Special Scientific Interest, 21 local nature reserves, 693 local wildlife sites and 18 Wildlife Trust reserves.”

At the time, many users responded as they highlighted how many industries have adapted to working from home amid the pandemic.

One wrote: “Quite. No businesses will primarily deal face-to-face by the time it is built, this pandemic has shown the future of meetings already.

“This money could have driven a tech revolution to connect the country and improve public transport elsewhere, paying for itself many times over.”

“Not to mention that the way and frequency of people commuting to work has been fundamentally changed by Covid. Train capacity is much less of an issue going forwards,” said a second.

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