Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to adopt the finding of Natural England on the planting ratio of 30:1 to ensure conservation of the ancient woodlands that will potentially be damaged by High Speed Two.

Where losses of ancient woodland are expected to occur, a range of compensatory measures may be proposed by High Speed Two Ltd;

• translocation of ancient woodland soils;

• translocation of coppice stools;

• new woodland creation; and

• enhancement to existing woodlands (ancient and non-ancient).

The selection of these compensatory measures will be bespoke to each ancient woodland site affected and HS2 Ltd has not adopted a ratio approach during their development. Measures are outlined in the Environmental Statement Volume 2 Community Forum Area/Community Area reports for the Phase One and Phase 2a Schemes respectively, and will be outlined in the forthcoming formal Environmental Statement for the Phase 2b Scheme in 2020.