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Our response to High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) at the places we care for

An aerial view of Hardwick Hall and estate, Derbyshire.
An aerial view of Hardwick Hall and estate, Derbyshire. | © National Trust Images/John Miller

The Government is developing a new national high speed rail network (HS2) connecting London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, the most significant transport infrastructure project in the UK since the building of the motorways.

An expert team

In response, we have set up a project team of experts which includes rail engineers, landscape architects and landscape planners. We are working with our consultancy and local teams to undertake thorough assessments of the potential impacts of the railway and its infrastructure on places in our care. Our team then negotiate changes with the statutory bodies, especially HS2 Ltd.

Working in liaison with HS2 Limited

Our approach to HS2 has been to engage with HS2 Ltd and present them with better ways of doing things. Through this engagement we have secured a number of commitments including regarding design of the route, environmental mitigation, enhancement measures and changes to policy.

Improving the impact

Our aim is to improve the impact on places in our care, local communities and the environment. We're playing our part to ensure that HS2 leaves a positive environmental legacy for everyone.

Our latest position statement

As a conservation charity we continue to be concerned about the potential impact that HS2 could have on the sensitive landscapes, important habitats and communities it passes through or near, including those that we care for.

We will continue to hold HS2 Ltd to account and work proactively to ensure HS2 leaves a positive legacy for the natural environment, our heritage and on communities.

A man looking down the guard around a tree sapling, in a landscape dotted with other newly planted trees

For everyone, for ever

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Find out who we are and what we stand for.

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