Reptile & Amphibian Forums

EVENING TELEGRAPH (Peterborough, UK) 18 March 11 Bid to save the toads from dying on roads (Nick Reinis)
Wildlife experts used a Peterborough focal point to launch a campaign to help stop the surge of toads being killed on the nation’s roads.
The education team at the Peterborough-based charity Froglife began their Toads on Roads campaign with a colourful display at the Guildhall, in Cathedral Square, Peterborough, on Wednesday (16 March).
Its aim is to highlight the plight of the British toad - around 20 tonnes die on roads across the nation each year - to children and adults across Peterborough.
It will be visited by six primary schools and two after-school clubs over the coming days, before it closes on Saturday.
Froglife, based in Vicarage Farm Road, Fengate, organised the exhibition, complete with a giant toad lollipop as part of National Science and Engineering Week.
Laura Brady, a wildlife ambassador and project officer for the charity, said the idea, the models and the activities on offer were designed by young people.
She also said that the charity saved 60,000 toads last year by picking them up from the sides of roads and moving them out of the way from busy roads.
Laura said: “It’s a really important exhibition to celebrate the toad and raise awareness of the campaign to people in the city.
“Toads are an important native species that do not get enough recognition in the country and their numbers are in decline.”
Environment is at the heart of the work and all display items are hand made from recycled materials using a range of crafts.
Cacey Barks, conservation youth worker, added: “We aim to show communication can save lives. Some really imaginative young people came up with this brilliant idea to communicate the tragedy of all the toads that are killed on roads every year.”
National Science and Engineering Week involves thousands of schools, groups, adults and young people across the UK.
Froglife last year won the Best Science Award for its giant pond exhibit. The toad theme this year reflects their Tuppence a Toad campaign, to raise funds and awareness to support amphibians.
Cacey said: “We are keen to share our creative, fun approach to teaching people about wildlife, and what we can all do to help. We hope to inspire future generations to join us to save wild species.”
More information: www.froglife.org/peterborough
Bid to save the toads from dying on roads

LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH (Blackburn, UK) 29 March 11 Volunteers needed to help Todmorden toads cross the road (Peter Magill)
Extra volunteers are wanted in Todmorden to help amphibians stay safe and learn the “green cross toad”.
Hundreds of migrating toads brave Woodhouse Road and Lumbutts each spring, en route to breeding ponds nearby.
But many never make it across the busy routes, a fact which is thought to be a contributory factor towards a decline in the common toad population.
That is where the countryside service’s toad patrol steps in, with nature lovers carrying the animals to safety.
A toad warning sign is set to be erected at Lumbutts, while Woodhouse Road will be monitored to see if it would benefit from a similar device.
Portia Smith, a long-standing volunteer, said: “We have been running toad patrols in Calderdale for several years and have rescued hundreds of toads. It’s really good fun and great to know we’re helping the plight of toads in the area.
“We’re eager to get more people volunteer-ing though, and we want to hear from people with an interest in helping an unusual and charismatic amphibian for a few nights this month.”
Milder spring weather this year has also resulted in the toads making their move earlier than usual.
New volunteers who can help with manning the two Todmorden crossings can contact Hugh Firman at the service on 01422 393214 or email to hugh.firman @calderdale .gov.uk
Volunteers_needed_to_help_Todmorden_toads_cross_the_road/