West Sussex Builds Otter ‘Mammal Shelf’ to Beat Deadly Roads
West Sussex County Council has rolled out a clever new “mammal shelf” under the busy A272 to protect the county’s rare breeding otters. Installed this autumn, the shelf gives otters a safer route through a culvert, keeping them off dangerous roads. This scheme is a team effort, working alongside the National Trust and Arun & Rother Rivers Trust.
Otters Avoid Water, Risk Roads – Until Now
Otters in West Sussex have struggled for decades, with many killed while crossing roads. Amazingly, they often shun swimming under bridges or through culverts, preferring to walk over land — right across busy highways. The new ledge inside the culvert lets otters travel dry and safe, sliding beneath the road without risking life and limb.
Council Cheers Big Boost for Wildlife
Cllr Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, praised the scheme.
“It’s fantastic to see these magnificent animals making a comeback in West Sussex, and we’re extremely proud to have helped ensure the growth of a sustainable otter population with this new mammal shelf.”
She added:
“The otter’s resurgence is a major conservation win after dramatic declines from the 1950s to 1970s. Cleaner rivers have helped their numbers rebuild but busy roads remain a serious threat. Cutting otter road casualties is crucial for bringing this iconic species safely back to West Sussex waterways.”
Part of a Wider Wildlife Comeback Plan
This project supports West Sussex Council’s wider goals for environmental protection and biodiversity. Officials will keep tabs on the mammal shelf’s success in cutting otter deaths and aiding population growth.
The initiative proves that innovation and teamwork can help wildlife thrive — giving West Sussex’s natural heritage a fighting chance against modern threats.
