SALISBURY JOURNAL (UK) 13 January 11 People needed for annual toad rescue patrol (Miranda Robertson)
Rescuers of our slimy friends have launched an appeal for more amphibian aficionados to help stop toads getting squashed on their way to make whoopee this spring.
Thousands of toads are set to descend on the Gorely Road near Poulner School as the spawning season gets under way from February to April.
Volunteers from Ringwood Amphibian Conservationists go out year after year to help save them as they hop perilously towards their goal.
The creatures go out from dusk, preferring dark, wet and warm conditions, and many are flattened as they make their way over the Tarmac for their annual romp.
Every year, the volunteers help save toads’ lives by helping them cross the road – escorting them or popping them in a bucket to move them on.
Ringwood Amphibian Conservationists member Gemma Coles said: “We’ve lost quite a few of our regular toad patrol volunteers this year, due to other commitments.
“So we are actively seeking more supporters to help the toads cross the roads safely.
“Toads are very valuable to gardeners as they eat slugs, snails and a variety of other small creatures that eat and damage plants.
“They also form a vital part of the local eco-|system and as such need protecting. The toad population in the UK has been declining in recent years, so we must act now to save our toads. So please get in contact – we’d love to hear from you.”
Toads can often travel further than 1km during their migration back to their spawning ground.
Rather than using rough hedgerow or grassy land, toads will often choose the easier bare ground to travel along, making roads the obvious easy travel route for them.
If you would like to find out more about toad patrol and volunteer some of your time to help, call 01425 478891.
Ms Coles said: “If you are driving along the Gorley Road and surrounding roads please slow down to avoid squashing the toads.”
People needed for annual toad rescue patrol

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