THE Government has been lambasted for ignoring High Speed 2's impact on wildlife and important natural habitats.

A scathing attack has been launched by The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust on the decision announced yesterday.

The charity reiterated that a rare and protected species of bat would be among the victims if the rail line was built.

Philippa Lyons, Chief Executive of the trust, said: “We are very disappointed with the decision to go ahead with this route for HS2, which was chosen without any proper scrutiny of the impacts on the wildlife that will be affected.

“It is an utter disgrace that the Government is not facing up to its responsibilities to biodiversity and the natural environment, and continues to dismiss the environmental impacts of this route on vulnerable wildlife habitats.

“These include Ancient Woodlands and meadows, two of our nature reserves and several Local Wildlife Sites noted for their wildflowers, butterflies and birds.”

More than 2,000 members of the Wildlife Trust responded to the Government’s consultation last year.

“They will be horrified that the Government appears to have ignored the passionate and informed comments they submitted,” said Mrs Lyons.

“Extending a tunnel in the Chilterns may save one group of Ancient Woodlands, but does nothing to protect the Bernwood Forest area north of Aylesbury which will be directly impacted.

“This will affect the highly-protected Bechstein’s bats that are known to use woods on both sides of the proposed route for their habitats.”

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust will continue to lobby the Government.