Chris Grayling becomes hedgehogs' CHAMPION as HS2 threatens their survival
TRANSPORT Secretary Chris Grayling has been appointed a “species champion” for the hedgehog – despite HS2 threatening London’s last hedgehog colony with extinction.
Woman in tears as Government plans to bulldoze home for HS2
Campaigners said they were “thrilled” to have Mr Grayling’s support for hedgehogs, even though it is feared the £56billion rail project he is spearheading will wipe out an entire hedgehog population.
David Field, of London Zoo, warned last week that construction work over the next 16 years would lead to “the extinction of hedgehogs in central London”.
He added: “If it was a year or two they could cope but we’re talking about generations of hedgehogs.”
Half of London Zoo’s car park will be taken up by lorries working on HS2, disturbing around 30 hedgehogs living in the surrounding shrubs and hedges.
Transport Secretary Grayling has been appointed a 'species champion' for the hedgehog
HS2 is threatening London’s last hedgehog colony with extinction
I hope to be able to promote the conservation of this animal in Government and see hedgehog numbers back on the rise once again
Mr Field said: “I’m not opposed to HS2 but surely all the brains behind this incredible project could find somewhere else to park.
"We’ve offered other solutions and options.
"It just takes a certain will.”
The UK’s hedgehog population is already in decline.
Since 2000 it has decreased by about half in rural areas and about a third in urban areas, according to a 2015 report.
The Species Champion initiative, led by the RSPB, sees MPs from across the UK championing various species.
Mr Grayling said: “I hope to be able to promote the conservation of this animal in Government and see hedgehog numbers back on the rise once again."