HS2's £100 Million Bat Protection Structure Sparks Controversy

The costly 'bat shed' in Buckinghamshire highlights challenges in UK infrastructure projects amid legal and environmental constraints.

HS2 is spending over £100 million on a 1km bat protection structure near Sheephouse Wood, Buckinghamshire, to comply with Natural England's requirements.
The structure, referred to as a 'shed', aims to allow bats to safely cross over the high-speed railway without disturbance from trains.
Despite the high cost, there is no evidence that high-speed trains interfere with bats, raising questions about the necessity of the structure.
HS2's chairman, Sir Jon Thompson, cited the bat shed as an example of the difficulties in obtaining the 8,276 consents required for the project.
The project's overall cost has ballooned to £66.6 billion, with the bat shed's expense exemplifying the legal and bureaucratic hurdles faced.