The government has allocated over £8 million in funding to create new woodlands and deliver safer roads on the route of Britain's new railway.

Speaking at the launch of HS2's 'Green Corridor' in Kenilworth, HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani backed HS2's plan for connected wildlife habitats and native woodlands the length of the route, ensuring HS2 sets a new environmental standard for construction projects.

To support this vision, the minister announced an additional £2 million for the HS2 Woodland Fund, to help landowners along the route between Birmingham and Crewe plant new trees native to the area.


He said: "As we deliver the new high speed railway our country needs, driving forward economic growth and better journeys for passengers, it is imperative we set a new standard for protecting and enhancing our diverse woodlands and wildlife.

"HS2's 'Green Corridor' is one of the most significant tree-planting and habitat creation projects ever undertaken in this country. That's why the government is backing it with an additional £2 million for the Woodland Fund to support the creation of native woodland and restore existing ancient woodland sites between Birmingham and Crewe.

"We are also committed to putting in place a positive legacy of road safety improvements. An extra £6.5 million of funding for local authorities on Birmingham to Crewe route will ensure communities in the region see and share in the extraordinary benefits of Britain’s new railway."

(CD/MH)