The Trust is welcoming the announcement of a wildlife bridge across the A9, but is warning that more are needed to be effective.

The design for Gelly Bridge, near Luncarty which has been unveiled by Transport Minister Keith Brown aims to make it safer for deer, red squirrels and pine martens to cross the busy road.

There will scrub vegetation covering half the width of the bridge, parallel to the vehicle lane and these will be bordered by “grasscrete” verges – a concrete grid filled with grass.

Head of Policy for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Dr Maggie Keegan, said: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust is in favour of measures, such as this newly announced bridge, that will help wildlife move more freely and safely in the natural environment.

“These types of measures show the Scottish Government are more in tune with the need for a National Ecological Network which aims to increase the connectivity for wildlife across Scotland’s fragmented landscapes.

“This is a good start, however, the Scottish Wildlife Trust would like to see more being built – especially with a sharper focus on wildlife in the design, rather than vehicles.

“Although this will help wildlife cross the dual carriageway, it seems there is nothing stopping a squirrel from using the road, rather than the green section.

“Wildlife is unaware of the Green Cross Code – so being this close to a road could still be hazardous.

“Hopefully, Tufty the Squirrel will be on hand to give guidance on how to use this particular wildlife bridge.”

To read the Scottish Wildlife Trust briefing on National Ecological Networks please click here.