Help for toads in the road

07/04/2006

The course of true love is set to run a lot smoother for migrating toads in a Suffolk village.

An estimated 10,000 toads live in the reservoir at the Lound water treatment works making it the toad capital of the county.

The toads are now coming out of hibernation and have just started to migrate to their breeding ponds, which requires them to cross a busy road.

Last year over 500 squashed toads were counted on the road during the migration period.

Now, thanks to a new toad patrol staffed by volunteers, their journey should be a lot safer.

The patrol has been set up with help from the Suffolk WildlifeTrust and takes place between about 7pm and 9pm when the toads are most active.

Volunteers pick the toads up, put them in buckets and carry them to the ponds to reduce the time they are vulnerable on the road.

Hannah Gray, nature conservation manager at the Lound site said: “It was so sad to see hundreds of toads squashed on the road last year, and it is so simple to give them a helping hand – we are making a real difference.”

Those wishing to join the toad patrol can call Hannah Gray on 01502 523840.

For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.