The UK’s first heathland green bridge is due to open in May to help snakes, toads, badgers and even beetles cross the A3 in Surrey. The £3.7m Cockrow Bridge spans the carriageway near Cobham and reconnects two rare heathland areas, says the BBC.

The 68m-long, 30m wide (223ft) bridge, funded by National Highways, is covered in heather and aims to offer a safe crossing for wildlife and people between Ockham Common and Wisley Common.

Steve Elderkin, director of environmental sustainability at National Highways, said:

“While roads have always connected people and places, they are too often a barrier for nature, severing habitats and contributing to the decline in biodiversity. Our green bridges are designed to blend with the landscape and connect habitats, animals and people, leaving a lasting legacy which ensures nature thrives.”

Pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders will be able to cross the bridge on a four metre wide track, while only a limited number of vehicles will be permitted to use the bridge to access properties on Wisley Common.

The bridge replaces a pedestrian crossing, built in the 1980s that provided no connectivity for wildlife in the two separate heathland plots, which have been divided since the 1970s when the A3 was built.

(Picture: National Highways)