Toads on Roads

Spring is fast approaching in Kent and with the recent mild wet weather, toads have started their annual migration towards breeding ponds. In Paddock Wood toads have always been common, but every year huge numbers die on the roads. Particularly because they struggle to climb steep kerb stones. This is happening throughout the UK and toad numbers are rapidly disappearing from previous strongholds.

I've been out and about with my bucket and torch to help as many toads as possible cross the roads safely. This season, the migration is just starting but despite helping 31 toads to reach the breeding ponds, I've sadly already seen plenty of squashed toads.

The charity Froglife runs a National 'toads on roads' campaign which provides advice and support for volunteers, to help reverse the decline in our toad population. Anyone wanting to get involved should visit http://www.froglife.org/toadsonroads/



Releasing the collected toads at a nearby breeding site