Context

A survey by Perth and Kinross Council Countryside Ranger Service revealed that significant numbers of trapped amphibian wildlife – primarily frogs and toads – were being found, in roadside gullypots having fallen through the drain grid. In fact, nearly 70 percent of the gullypots surveyed contained amphibians and small animals. The majority were found in August and September, and the road gullies they had fallen down were less than 500m from a breeding pond – which suggests they were dispersing to their hibernation sites Once trapped, they were unlikely to escape or survive.

This gave rangers enough information to infer that roadside drains have a significant impact on their populations. Amphibians typically follow the side of the kerb along the road which directs them straight into a traditional gullypot.

Product used

Following funding from the SITA Trust, the Ranger Service was able to obtain ACO Wildlife Kerbs. As part of their eco-friendly design, ACO Wildlife Kerbs contain a recess which allows amphibians to follow the lower edge of the kerb and bypass the gullypot. The council piloted the use of Wildlife Kerbs at a site on Elm Drive in Blairgowrie. Following the success of the trial, the products were subsequently rolled out throughout the area.

The survey carried out by Perth and Kinross Council helped to raise awareness of the issue throughout the UK. Since then, the adoption of ACO Wildlife solutions has continued to grow as communities recognise the importance of preserving an ecologically strong environment following development of any sort – whether it be housing or highways.

Peter Ridgway, Brand Director at ACO Water Management, explained: “Innovation is vital in any business, and this sits right at the heart of ACO’s surface water drainage offering. Everyone has a part to play in sustaining wildlife and their habitats, and ACO Wildlife provides the perfect solution. We will continue to focus on developing water management solutions that help protect our natural environment and the animals that inhabit it.”