Young HS2 protestors take to trees in Cubbington Woods

In the early hours of Tuesday (July 14) a group of activists from movements opposing HS2 took to the treetops in Cubbington Woods; a simultaneous protest took place at the gates of the Cubbington HS2 compound.

Tree protectors are staging an occupation to draw attention to the imminent threat these ancient woodlands face from HS2 construction works, bear witness to the ecological devastation and to amplify the voices of protestors and communities united against the scheme.

Cubbington Woods was the location of an earlier woodland protection camp, which saved it from being felled last year. HS2 contractors are undertaking preliminary works including drilling bore holes in the woods prior to the main felling of trees in September.

The ancient woods, one of 108 set to be destroyed by HS2, are a haven for wildlife and much-loved by the village community which will also lose the UK’s oldest wild pear tree to the project.

Activists currently in the trees include Flint, 16, and Venus ,17.

Flint said: “My brother was at the very first climate strikes and that’s how I got involved with the movement-

"I’ve been to every one since.

"I ended up at the XR Rebellion in April last year and joined the XR youth movement that’s how I heard about HS2.

"The project is pointless, there’s already a train, and this new line is unaffordable.

"At the same time, it’s destroying not only natural habitats but also people’s communities and businesses.

"I couldn’t watch videos of the NET beating up protestors anymore, so I came to live at the camps.

"I’ve loved learning how to climb here, I like the freedom of being up in the trees.

"When you’re up here, you realise their beauty and are really confronted with the reality of them being destroyed by this railway line.”