HS2 Ltd. announced a £100 million investment to construct a 1km protective barrier for bats in Buckinghamshire, sparking debate over the complexities and costs of major infrastructure projects. Sir John Thompson, HS2 chairman, highlighted the necessity for 8,276 separate consents from regulatory bodies that contribute to overall project delays and surging expenses. Advocacy for wildlife protection is paramount, as one in six UK species faces extinction. Critics, including transport secretary Louise Haigh, label the situation as indicative of inefficiency within the HS2 project, which is estimated to ultimately cost £66 billion.