A total of 18 volunteers have helped 53 toads and 339 frogs fulfil their reproductive potential this year at Nest Brow, Keswick.
As in previous years, the volunteers headed out to help the amphibians safely cross the road on their journey to traditional breeding sites.
However, despite the volunteers’ effort over 11 nights, 91 fatalities were recorded, highlighting the ongoing risks these amphibians face during their seasonal migration.
Monitoring data from Froglife and partners shows that common toads have declined by around 40 per cent nationally over the past 40 years. This decline is linked to a range of pressures, including habitat loss, fragmentation and road mortality.
Toad patrols such as the Nest Brow initiative play an important role in helping to reduce these losses at a local level. Each animal safely guided across the road contributes to the survival of local populations.
A spokesperson said: “We are extremely grateful to the volunteers who give up their evenings in cold and wet conditions to help protect amphibians during their annual migration. Their efforts make a real difference on the ground.”
Anybody who would like to get involved with future toad patrols should visit the West Cumbria Rivers Trust website and sign up to volunteer, marking toad patrols as their area of interest.
