Protestors and protectors: The Bucks residents still fighting HS2

Local campaigners are regularly holding protests against the line

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 4th Jun 2021

Campaigners from across Buckinghamshire and beyond are still fighting against HS2.

Since HS2 was announced in 2009 it has become one of the most controversial projects in the country, with environmental groups, councils and local people showing their disagreement.

Despite the HS2 act of 2017 approving the first phase and giving permission for land to be purchased, and the construction work beginning in recent years they've continued to fight.

One of those who has seen change is David Stopps, who is well known in the Anti-HS2 movement.

Recently he was part of a campaign to save The Earth Tree, a 200 year old oak planted by planted by Louis 18th of France when he was exiled to Hartwell House near Aylesbury in 1808.

So they won that battle, and David thinks they'll win the war too:

"This will be scrapped, it just will be and its a matter when and how much damage they do before that decision is made.

"This last year has proved we don't need it. Video calling is here to stay, as well as a combination of work from home and in person.

"Travelling to work like HS2 just isn't needed as it was, all of this for 20 minutes? It isn't worth it."

Recently protests have been held regularly in Aylesbury along Oxford Road, particularly since tree felling began in May.

Ann of Wendover, as she is known in the Anti-HS2 community, came along. But, she says she is a protector not a protestor:

"Sadly because it's been such a long task for some locals they do get tired and fatigue. So the protectors, we come in, do outreach and we help to inject some energy into the locals.

"The whole thing about HS2 is telling people you're losing your ancient woodlands, you're losing your nature reserves but you're losing more than that.

"You're losing you're heritage and its all to be replaced by concrete.

"What we have learnt over the pandemic is that people do not want this monstrosity so we are going to continue to educate and protect our local areas."

In some areas of Buckinghamshire camps have been set up near HS2 construction sites, with tree houses built to house protestors.

Largely though the marches and protests organised against HS2 have been peaceful but some have seen incidents involving protestors, security and Thames Valley Police.

One anonymous protestor told GHR Bucks Beds and Herts why they're so passionate about their message:

"It is an insane amount of money to spend on creating a natural disaster. We will look back on this along the lines of cutting down the rain forests in New Zealand.

"Nobody wants this, the majority of people do not want to see this built.

"It is completely delusional to have these ancient woodlands cut off, the wildlife we are losing is immeasurable.

"A massive scale wildlife crime is happening and it is being allowed to happen.

"There is a way forward it is for people to get together, do something small and send it on. Tell people how you feel, tell your MP. There is something we can do."

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