It’s a sad fact that common toad populations are declining across the UK. And toads face even greater dangers when they crawl slowly across busy roads in the breeding season. So when they start to migrate in January to lay their eggs near water, the Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol will be out every evening saving precious lives by helping them to make it across safely. And they urgently need more volunteers.
“Loss of habitat and changing weather patterns are affecting toad populations badly,” said Nicola Yorke who runs the patrol. “But the particular route we look after on the edge of Ringwood next to Blashford Lakes can be especially dangerous for them as they risk being killed under the wheels of cars and vans. So it’s more important than ever that we do all we can to help them. That’s why we’re looking for more willing volunteers who can spare a couple of hours one evening every week from mid January through to the end of March. We’d also be really grateful if drivers slowed down, remained patient, and kept an eye out for the toads. It would make an enormous difference and many more precious lives would be saved.”
Registered with the wildlife charity Froglife who coordinate toad patrolling throughout the UK, the patrol has been going for 36 years.
Volunteers take turns to drive slowly along the road from dusk until 11pm, stopping to pick up toads and carry them across the road so they can safely continue their journey down to the water’s edge. The patrol route runs from the North Poulner crossroads up to the Moyles Court ford below Rockford Common.
At the start of the breeding season sometime around mid-January, male and female toads crawl down from the wooded hills above Blashford Lakes to find a mate and breed. By early Spring after their eggs are laid, they make the return journey, once again facing the dangers of the busy road.
“Toads are choosy!” said Nicola. “They only move when it’s warm enough – five degrees and above. They love wet nights but they’ll also cross when it’s not raining, particularly early in the season when they’re keen to get down to the water. And with toad numbers falling, we need to carry on helping them to stay safe – which is why we need more volunteers to join our friendly, inclusive group.”
Interested in volunteering? Email rptoadpatrol1@gmail.com
