A new 'environmentally friendly' design has been announced for the HS2 works in Cubbington.

The line will now pass through a 'V' shaped open cutting with grass slopes - replacing the original plans to build concrete retaining walls.

The new designs raise the high speed rail line by around two metres, avoiding the need to excavate 150,000 cubic metres of soil - the equivalent of 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

It also means 60,000 cubic metres less concrete and steel is needed in construction.

HS2 said this will cut the need for 8,500 HGV movements.

The new design also includes two 'green overbridges' to connect existing footpaths to local woods.

And grass and hedgerows will be planted on the bridges to create 'wildlife crossings'.

Construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI Joint Venture has also committed to planting around 12 hectares of woodland near South Cubbington Wood and a further 18 hectares across the wider Cubbington area.

Tree planting and pond creation in Cubbington (Image via HS2)

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: "From the beginning, our vision for HS2 has always been to leave the environment surrounding the route in the same condition, if not better, than we found it and build a cleaner and greener transport future.

"This project embodies that vision, reducing carbon equivalent of taking 8,500 HGVs off local roads, moulding our designs to ensure wildlife thrives alongside the new tracks and ensuring residents can continue to enjoy the rich nature forestry surrounding their village."

HS2 has also recently announced new plans for the Burton Green 'green tunnel' and has committed to tree planting along the Kenilworth Greenway.

A public event will be held in Cubbington Village Hall from 5pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 28 April. More information about the event can be found here.

And to find out more about HS2 in the area, follow this link to our recent roundup of local works.