For the Birds?

London's new (expensive and well behind schedule) Elizabeth line runs from Reading to Shenfield, Construction of the line's tunnels and stations, involved the removal of 3.5 m tonnes of soil. This soil has been given to the RSPB, to create a new nature reserve at Essex's Wallasea island (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/21/how-londons-new-rail-project-has-created-a-sanctuary-for-birds). This new bird sanctuary consists of lagoons, island and bays, designed to minimise the effects of rising sea-levels. The site has already attracted thousands of birds, including avocets, black-tailed godwits, little egrets and spoonbills. Hen and Marsh harriers have also visited the nature reserve in the winter. It's good that the soil was disposed of effectively. There does, however, seem to be an element of 'greenwash' in the story.