Campaigner loses fight over HS2 work in ancient wood that inspired Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An environmental activist fighting to stop construction of the new HS2 railway line through an ancient woodland that inspired the popular children’s author Roald Dahl has lost his High Court battle opposing the work but says he plans to appeal. Campaigner Mark Keir argues Natural England was wrong to grant a licence allowing tree felling to proceed at Jones’ Hill Wood near Wendover, Buckinghamshire, in order to accommodate the first phase of the high-speed line, due to run between London and Birmingham. But ruling on Monday, Mr Justice Holgate said none of the grounds Mr Keir had put forward against the felling were “arguable”, allowing an injunction imposed on 16 April temporarily halting the work while litigation continued to be discharged. “I shall be speaking to my solicitor and barrister.” In court, Mr Keir’s lawyer Charles Streeten argued that Natural England had failed to take the “correct approach” under conservation regulations.