The HS2 project has earmarked £100 million for a specialized barrier to protect rare bats in Buckinghamshire, a requirement stemming from natural conservation laws. HS2 Ltd’s chairman, Sir Jon Thompson, emphasized the exorbitant costs associated with environmental protections, highlighting the difficulties faced in securing necessary planning approvals. Although the local council and environmental authorities did not mandate this expensive measure, HS2 Ltd deemed it essential for minimizing disruption to wildlife. As infrastructure costs continue to rise, this situation ignites debate over the trade-offs between development and ecological protection.