Anti-HS2 protesters begin 125-mile walk along proposed route

Protest walk organised by Extinction Rebellion began in Birmingham and will stop off at protest sites on way to London

Eighty anti-HS2 protesters have started a 125-mile rebel trail" along the route of the controversial HS2 high-speed rail link to highlight the damage they say it will do to wildlife and woodland.

The aim of the protest walk, organised by Extinction Rebellion, is to try to persuade the government to halt the high-speed link. The walkers will travel through countryside, villages and local communities along phase one of the HS2 route to show solidarity with those opposed to the rail link and say the peaceful demonstration will raise awareness about the environmental damage they say HS2 will cause.