Otters are getting some extra help to cross a busy road in Staffordshire thanks to a “subway” created by wildlife charity workers.

The protected creatures were having to dodge traffic to get across a road near Shugborough, at Milford, because their old route – a culvert running beneath the road – had become blocked.

So Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, based at Wolseley Bridge, set about clearing the pipeway so the animals could travel safely from Cannock Chase to a pool on the other side of the road.

Senior wetlands ecologist Nick Mott said: “The tunnel is a simple and clever way of providing an alternative route for otters, so they don’t have to cross over the road.

“Because the culvert was blocked, otters were crossing the road on an alarmingly regular basis. So we unblocked the culvert and installed some fencing to guide the otters inside it.

“We have been monitoring the culvert and it appears that otters are making use of it, which is fantastic news.

“The wild otter population in Staffordshire is a real conservation success story.

“Over the last 15 years, the otter has quietly re-established itself, and we are keeping a close eye on the iconic species to ensure its growth continues.” Work on clearing the culvert was funded by a grant from Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nick added: “The trust would like to thank Cannock Chase for the grant, the landowners who gave permission for the scheme, Staffordshire Mammal Group which helped deliver and monitor the works, and the Environment Agency for technical advice.”

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, which is the county’s leading conservation body, has the support of more than 15,000 members.

It manages 30 sites covering more than 2,100 acres. including sites of national and international importance.

More information is available on 01889 880100, by e-mailing info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or logging on to www.staffordshire wildlife.org.uk