The Wildlife Trust BCN has urged decision makers behind the planned East West Rail link to consider priority natural habitats and rare barbastelle bats in the area.

The Trust has responded to the latest public consultation into the plans for the final stage of the line between Bedford and Cambridge. This is planned to include stops at two new stations, Cambourne and Cambridge South.

In its response the Trust reiterated its view that the proposed southern approach into Cambridge will have a greater ecological impact than alternative northern approaches which would avoid wildlife rich habitats.

The current plan will result in the fragmentation of the West Cambridgeshire Hundreds, a priority landscape-scale network of wildlife sites identified by Natural Cambridgeshire, a partnership of councils and conservation groups focussed on tackling biodiversity loss in the county.

A key species highlighted by the Trust in its response is barbastelles bat, a rare and threatened woodland bat which breeds at Wimpole and Eversden Woods (designated a Special Area of Conservation) and Hardwick Woods (designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest). The bats will be impacted by the new line.

In Bedfordshire the Trust called on planners to protect ancient woodlands in the county close to the line, and to consider the cumulative impact of the construction work alongside other major developments nearby such as the plan for a Universal Studios attraction near Bedford.

Martin Baker, Conservation Manager, said: “We need sustainable transport links to help us tackle climate change, the biggest threat facing nature – but they must be carefully planned to minimise harm to nature.

“We are very lucky to have barbastelles, one of the rarest bats in the UK, in Cambridgeshire and more can and should be done in these plans to ensure they remain here for generations to come.

“A lot of work has gone into planning and designating habitats that create a safe haven for nature in our region, and the integrity of these must protected. The network of ancient woodlands and other habitats are vital for nature’s recovery and we are concerned some of that work will be undone by these plans.

“We still believe a northern approach to Cambridge could have less impact on wildlife than the preferred southern route – but wherever the line is, we urge the planners to think again about the nature which makes this part of the country special.”