ACO One-Way Migration Fencing Keeping Britain’s Amphibians Hopping Safely
In the quiet countryside near Henley-on-Thames, a stretch of roadside has become a battleground for survival. But thanks to an innovative solution from ACO Technologies, it’s no longer a losing fight for one of the UK’s largest amphibian populations.
With the installation of 250 metres of ACO’s One-Way Fence system, frogs and toads are now guided safely across a busy road during their annual migration, marking a huge leap forward for conservation efforts.
Every year, from late February through early spring, thousands of toads make their way across the A4155, moving from woodland to spawning ponds. It’s a short journey with deadly consequences, as they risk becoming roadkill under the tyres of unaware motorists. This year, however, was different.
ACO steps up for sustainability and safety
ACO Technologies, known for their sustainable drainage solutions, stepped in with a permanent answer to a recurring problem. They installed 250 one-metre One-Way Fence panels, forming a robust line of defence between the amphibians and the busy traffic. The panels direct the animals safely along the roadside towards a crossing point where volunteers pick them up and ferry them to the other side.
The beauty of this fencing system lies in its simplicity. It prevents toads from getting onto the road as they head towards the ponds, but cleverly allows them to climb over when they return to the woods. This ingenious design replaces the need for temporary fences that volunteers previously had to set up and dismantle every year.
ACO’s Terry Wilkinson, Specialist Design & Application Engineer, led the project onsite and explained the rationale: “Toads and frogs are an important part of our ecosystem and it’s vital they are protected, which is why we are more than happy our One-Way Fences are supporting the cause.”
Boosting biodiversity through thoughtful design
This isn’t just about saving a few frogs. It’s a full-blown ecological intervention. Amphibians, especially toads and frogs, play a critical role in water and land ecosystems. As indicator species, they reflect the overall health of the environment. Their presence, or absence, tells us a lot about water quality and pollution levels. In fact, they even assist in nutrient cycling and help aquatic plants thrive, which in turn slow water flow and reduce flooding risks.
ACO’s commitment aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). These goals champion the protection of biodiversity, ecosystems, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Terry added: “This site also holds a special place in ACO’s history, as it is where the first ever toad tunnels in the UK were installed… Now, we’ve returned again to help extend this stretch to aid the hardworking volunteers that go out of their way to protect this vital species.”
A legacy of community and conservation
The Henley Toad Patrol, supported by national wildlife charity Froglife, is the volunteer army behind this operation. Every migration season, they gather by the roadside, armed with buckets and headlamps, to shepherd toads safely across. Their dedication inspired ACO to launch ‘ACO Volunteer Days,’ giving their staff the chance to lend a hand on-site and be part of the action.
One of the project’s key collaborators is John Sumpter, a former Life Sciences professor at Brunel University and now a leading figure in Henley’s toad-saving efforts. He noted: “ACO’s contribution to the project is warmly welcomed. The permanent One-Way Fences will save the volunteer team from manually installing and dismantling the temporary fences they have been using, and lead to a much safer migration for the toads.”
A model for wildlife-friendly infrastructure
As amphibian populations decline across the globe due to habitat loss, road traffic, pollution, and climate change, projects like this one show what’s possible with a bit of ingenuity and a lot of heart. ACO’s approach could well serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
More councils and highway authorities across the UK and Europe are beginning to recognise the need for wildlife-sensitive infrastructure. The One-Way Fence system, backed by real-world success in Henley, could be adapted for protecting other vulnerable species, from hedgehogs to newts and even reptiles.
Beyond the panels and posts, this is about reimagining how we design our environments. It’s about cohabiting with nature rather than paving over it. And, as ACO has shown, the right solution doesn’t have to be complex. It just has to work.
Carrying the torch forward
ACO Technologies has made it clear this isn’t a one-off. The success at Henley has sparked interest in expanding their efforts to more wildlife corridors across the UK. And with local communities and conservation groups already engaged, the groundwork is in place.
In the words of Terry Wilkinson: “We always have wildlife migration in mind with our projects, so it is amazing to be able to directly contribute to the operation in Henley-on-Thames.”
The toads may be small, but their journey is mighty. Thanks to a thoughtfully engineered solution and the spirit of collaboration, they now stand a better chance of reaching their spawning grounds each year.
And who knows? This humble fence might just inspire a wave of eco-conscious infrastructure across Britain.
