Somebody said earlier in this thread about a French spokesperson saying "If we want to drain the swamp we won't consult the frogs" and I totally agree with Mr Croissant here. I think we should stop messing around, forget the precious old trees and build HS2. And 3. And maybe even 4.
To be honest I think HS2 will improve the looks of the fields it will rip up, like the Shinkansen. Beautiful.
If we abandon plans because of protecting the environment or keeping noise low then we won't get anywhere. Mr Grayling, get the diggers.
I dont think we are abandoning plans for those reasons BUT in this day and age we really must do everything we can to factor in environmental impact of large projects - indeed all projects - this earth needs all the help it can get right now from the harm we have foisted upon it the last god knows how long. We dont earn the right to destroy other habitats just because we can you know - we are not the owners and rulers of this world.