NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS (UK) 08 February 07 Toad lovers wanted - An Enborne woman is on the look out for people to help her stop hundreds of toads getting squashed by cars (Neil Welch)

An Enborne woman is on the lookout for toad lovers to help her out with some amorous amphibians.

Marilyn Ray has a toad crossing near her house on Enborne Street, and is appealing for help in moving the creatures into a nearby pond and out of danger.

The crossing, which is near Bigg’s Hill, sees hundreds of toads cross the road and head towards water as part of a mating ritual.

“They toddle to the local pond for a quick bonk,” said Mrs Ray.

“It usually takes place between the end of February and the start of March, and goes on for a week from dusk until midnight.”

“It starts with a dribble of activity, and then there’s an enthusiastic surge.”

Mrs Ray has been running the crossing for three years, and is looking for people to help her in shifts.

She was given toad warning road signs by West Berkshire Council, but these mysteriously disappeared earlier this year.

Anyone who wants to help with the ‘toad patrol’ can email newburytoday@newburynews.co.uk.
Toad lovers wanted

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