ACO Wildlife
The ACO wildlife range of permanent guidance fences, road tunnels and stop grids provide effective long term solutions for the protection of frogs, toads and newts where their migratory routes cross roads.
ACO Amphibian Guide Fence
The ACO Amphibian Guide Fence panel is a tough and durable recycled plastic fence that acts as a barrier to amphibians approaching hazardous areas and guides them safely to tunnel road crossings.
The curved shape of the fence prevent amphibians climbing over from the protected side, but makes sure that animals that do manage to gain access onto the road are not trapped by the fence – they can climb over the curve and drop to safety on the other side. The need for such a curved shape is underlined by the danger to amphibians from natural predators and their need to be protected from strong sunlight.
This permanent structure can also be backfilled again to provide a discreet solution that blends into the surrounding landscape.
ACO Amphibian Tunnels
The ACO Amphibian Tunnel AT 500 with slotted upper surface is installed within the road structure, flush with the road surface. The advantages of this system are particularly apparent in problem terrain conditions, such as where there are ditches on one or both sides of the road or if high ground-water levels prevail. The proven benefits for amphibians and small animals is easily explained: installation flush with the road surface permits a minimum crossing distance, uncomplicated entrance areas at road gutter level, optimum climatic conditions due to the ingress of water and air and, at the same time, optimum adaptation of temperature to the ambient conditions.
The ACO Amphibian Tunnel AT 500 with blind upper surface has a closed top face and is installed near the surface within the road structure. The high load-bearing capability means it can be installed with a minimum depth of cover. The blind type AT 500 system is installed in areas adjacent to the roadway, e.g. verge areas. Special installation depths allow the elevation to be adjusted to the level of the terrain. When properly planned and constructed, the system keeps the length of the crossing to a minimum and ensures uncomplicated entranceway areas at road gutter level and advantageous climatic conditions inside the tunnel. Optimum conditions are created in terms of both road construction and amphibian protection.
ACO Tunnel Entrance
The ACO Tunnel Entrance forms a continuous, unbroken transition between the ACO Guide Fence and the ACO Amphibian Tunnel. The polymer concrete material allows a smooth transition between the intricate contours of the tunnel and the guide fence. The guide fences butt up against the entranceway element to millimetre accuracy and permit movement due to freezing and thawing to occur without resulting in displacement or cracking.
ACO Stop Grid
In side roads and approach areas ACO Amphibian Stop Grids perform the function otherwise performed by guide fences. When correctly arranged stop grids and guide fences form a continuous, unbroken system. The ACO Amphibian Stop Grid performs several important functions:
- Guidance: Amphibians moving along the ACO Fence toward the crossings can follow the guidance system without interruption in lateral side roads and approach areas.
- Barrier effects: Amphibians that do go onto side roads and approaches will fall through a specially designed grating and are then guided through to the next crossing.
- Traffic safety: Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles of all kinds, even including heavy trucks, can use side roads and approaches without hindrance. The gratings are suitable for a loading in accordance with EN 1433 class D 400.
ACO Wildlife Kerb
Traditional road kerbing can often prove fatal for amphibians as it causes them to fall into gully pots and become trapped. With no escape route the end result is usually starvation. This situation occurs because many amphibians naturally proceed along any vertical barrier that bars their way. In a road situation this is a kerb line where it meets the road surface. When they encounter a gully pot, where there is no gap between it and the vertical kerb face, they often fall in.
ACO Wildlife Kerb is designed to counter this problem by providing a “bypass pocket” set into the kerb. When installed it is positioned so that the gully is in the middle of the Wildlife Kerb. Then when an amphibian arrives at the “bypass pocket” it naturally moves into the kerb and safely passes the gully.
The kerb itself is 915mm long and fits into normal kerbing with minimum disruption to existing layouts. It also matches the standard HB2 kerb profile where gully pots will normally be used. The rear face of the kerb is deeply pocketed to give a good key with back filled concrete haunching.