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<p>In 2018, the protection of ancient woodlands, ancient trees and veteran trees was
strengthened through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), recognising them
as irreplaceable habitats. The NPPF also outlines that any development resulting in
the loss or deterioration of such irreplaceable habitats should be refused, unless
there are wholly exceptional reasons and only if a suitable compensation strategy
exists. HS2 is considered a wholly exceptional reason. Where effects on ancient woodland
cannot be reasonably avoided then HS2 Ltd has committed to provide a range of compensation
measures in response to these losses.</p><p>HS2 Ltd has sought to avoid impacts on
ancient woodlands wherever possible. Where there is unavoidable loss of ancient woodland
due to HS2, this will be addressed through a range of compensation measures. These
include planting new native broadleaved woodland to enhance linkages between ancient
woodlands, and by salvaging ancient woodland soils and seed banks to be used in new
sites. On top of this, HS2 Ltd is working with the Forestry Commission to deliver
a £7 million Woodland Fund (Phase 1 & 2a), which has been offering grants to support
landowners and communities to create new native woodland and restore plantation on
ancient woodland sites. This is expected to create hundreds of additional hectares
of woodlands over and above the core mitigation works required and improve the condition
of existing ancient woodland sites.</p><p>More broadly, in response to the Dasgupta
Review the Government outlined our aim to deliver a net gain in biodiversity on the
Crewe-Manchester HS2 leg.</p><p> </p>
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