Sewers: Wildlife
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made with her Cabinet colleagues of the prevalence of wildlife fatalities in urban drainage systems; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of implementing (a) amphibian ladders, (b) kerbs and (c) other wildlife escape measures in (i) new and (ii) existing drainage infrastructure.
Answered by Emma Hardy
In June 2025, Government introduced new national standards, making clear how sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be designed and maintained. Standard 6 dictates SuDS should maximise biodiversity benefits.
Defra has not made a central estimate of wildlife fatalities in urban drainage systems, and responsibility for this issue sits across multiple bodies, including local authorities, highways authorities, and developers.
We recognise the importance of protecting wildlife and support the use of nature- based solutions where appropriate.
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