HS2 allocates £100 million for bat protection in Buckinghamshire as project costs rise

HS2 is spending £100 million on a bat protection shield in Buckinghamshire, part of over 8,000 consents required for the project. The cost has increased due to design changes and regulatory requirements aimed at protecting endangered species like Bechstein's bats. The project has faced delays and rising costs attributed to inflation and complex planning processes. Critics, including Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, have called the situation inefficient, highlighting the need for better management of public funds. HS2 Ltd noted that the UK's challenging landscape and environmental regulations contribute to higher costs compared to other countries. The project includes extensive tunneling and additional wildlife protections, which are more costly than typical surface rail construction.