Why do frogs, newts, and toads need your help?

Frogs, newts, and toads are amphibians, they can survive in water and on land. The breeding season is in the Spring and around now many garden ponds may be full of eggs, known as spawn, which will later turn into tadpoles. Amphibians can live for up to 30 years in the wild according to the Wildlife Conservation Trust. Sadly, many don’t survive that long. Eggs and tadpoles may be eaten by natural predators, or perish in colder weather, but one of the biggest causes of death is being run over on the road. Amphibians usually return to the place they were bred to spawn, and it is at this time of year that many will be seen on our roads as they make this perilous journey.

Local farmers, David and Angela Thomas mount an annual rescue operation, clearing the local roads of frogs and toads as they migrate to their breeding ground. They can be seen on the road between Sherrington and Lower Green guiding the frogs and toads of the “frog and toad.” (https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3X39P2qsiT/?igsh=YWZmeGZlMGplN3Jp&fbclid=IwAR0sR3wae-OX1n_aLCq2Oh3NRrzhFrz5j0sx0duJyRIVA1dwp5nLVmNT_4A)

Amphibians use ponds mainly for breeding. They spend the rest of their time hunting in damp, earthy places. Amphibian eggs and tadpoles can only survive in water, but outside of the breeding season, or if the pond dries up, amphibians can happily forage, hunt, and shelter on land.

Amphibians are the gardener’s friend, gobbling up pests such as slugs and snails. If there is no pond in your garden, a pot can be sunk into the ground to catch rainwater which will help them to live happily.

Kay Ingram