Reducing the Visual Impact of HS2

We are quite aware that there is a very large decision looming over the heads of many people presently, and that is whether HS2 will be given the go-ahead by Government.

At present some are preparing for the worst - whilst hoping for the best. If your home or property has views onto the proposed route we would like to offer some suggestions for screening which has a natural and non-contrived appearance. This means that whether HS2 goes ahead or not, you will have created something that compliments your property and benefits the wider landscape and wildlife, and not a short-term solution that may leave you with management problems in the future.

By planting trees and hedgerows it is possible to not just screen off an unwanted view, but also reduce the impact of dust, light, and to a lesser degree – noise.

These principles can also be used for screening

• Agricultural buildings (see below)
• Views across busy roads and motorways
• Redundant areas of land
• Existing Railway corridors
• Industrial areas

In most of the above scenarios planting native trees will be a preferred option, and the diagrams above and below are to help illustrate the various ways plants can help.

If you would like information on screening in gardens, please view our dedicated advice page on Screening.

For information on plant sizes, growth rates and maintenance please see our Screening Guide to Plant Sizes and Growth Rates, which is also available in PDF format.

If you would like to speak to one of our forestry team please contact the Forestry Division on 01869 340 342 (extension 3), or send an email message.

The basic principles are as follows.

1. In screening off a particular view, will there be any negative impact for other parties that should be considered and discussed beforehand?
You should be mindful of neighbours and others who may be affected by your proposals. Could the plant roots, leaves, or shade cause any difficulties in the future?

2. Are you planting in a sensitive landscape (e.g. an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), where you need to consider species, location and design of any planting carefully?

3. Try to keep any screening simple to manage in the future. Overly complex proposals can fail if plant species with different growth patterns are planted in a matrix with each other.

4. Consider species that are not just appropriate for the soil type, but also the location.
In the open countryside, native trees and shrubs will be better suited, however in a garden or parkland setting a broader range of species will be appropriate.

5. What timescale are you working to? Do you need an instant screen, or are you able to wait 10 years?
There is a cost consideration in developing screen with mature plant species, and you should be mindful of this. Larger plants are more likely to require watering and you need to consider how you can access the plants to maintain them in the future.

6. How much space do you have and how close is the feature you are trying to screen?
Space (amongst other issues) will determine what species to plant and at what density. It also has implications on any future maintenance. If space is tight, would fencing with climbers be more appropriate? If the feature to screen is in the far distance, would small trees be adequate to block the view?

7. Be clear about what you are trying to screen.
If it is vehicle lights coming off a road, you would benefit from a hedge rather than trees?

If you would like further information, please don't hesitate to Contact us. Also, see our other specialised advice pages linked from the Information main menu.