ACO Wildlife Kerb chosen to prevent amphibians from falling down roadside gullies

WILDLIFE KERB SOLUTION FOR PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL

When local wildlife rangers reported significant numbers of amphibians trapped in roadside gullypots, Perth and Kinross Council were concerned that many of these animals would be unlikely to escape or survive. In order to provide a safe and sustainable solution to prevent this issue, the council turned to ACO’s Wildlife Kerb to eradicate the problem.  

Following prior observations during routine drain maintenance, Perth and Kinross Council Countryside Ranger Service set out to conduct the Amphibians in Drains Project throughout the region. 

The surveys revealed that significant numbers of trapped amphibian wildlife – primarily frogs and toads – were being found, having fallen through the drain grid. In fact, nearly 70 percent of the gullypots surveyed contained amphibians and small animals. Crucially, once trapped, it is unlikely they are able to escape or survive. 

Furthermore, the majority of animals 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. 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. Following funding from the SITA Trust, the Ranger Service was able to obtain ACO Wildlife Kerbs, which provided the perfect resolution. 

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.

To read the full case study visit www.aco.co.uk/casestudies