It's that time of year again.

[Digifrog]

Toad Patrol

Every February and March, thousands of toads are squashed on Britain's roads as they return to their traditional breeding ponds and ditches. There used to be about 20 crossings in the area covered by the old County of Avon; now we are down to only a few. The loss is blamed on increased traffic, land development and changes in pond management.

Mary Wood, of the Avon Wildlife Trust's toad rescue project, is determined that the few remaining toads should be protected: 'Each year local volunters form patrols to rescue the animals from the traffic on the roads and deliver them to safety. But, there are never enough volunteers! Can you spare a few hours to help?

Help is particularly needed at Fishponds and Shirehampton in Bristol, Charlecombe Lane in Bath, Temple Cloud in B&NES, Clevedon and Yatton in North Somerset.

Mary adds: 'Volunteers are needed over a 6 week period, on mild damp evenings. Wearing bright clothes and armed with bucket and torch they patrol the road and pick up toads, depositing them in a safe place closer to the pond or ditch. No skills are needed, just a sympathy for vulnerable animals. Full training will be provided!

Volunteers needed for these major toad crossings

Charlcombe Lane, Bath
Norton's Wood Lane, Clevedon
Ridgeway Road, Fishponds
Napier Mills Road, Shirehampton
Yatton North, Somerset
Camety Road, Temple Cloud
Weston Bath Road, Bath

Do you want to know more? Contact Mary Wood at the Avon Wildlife Trust on 0117 917 7270

[Digifrog]

I'm disappointed. A forum dedicated to frogs, 28 views and no replies to the plight of helpless frogs.

I should add of course that if you live in another part of the country and you want to help the helpless frogs you can always contact your own local wildlife trust and ask them about helping. It's for a 6 week period. I usually help out for a few hours every friday night. Every little helps.

[aeshna5]

Sorry you've had no replies Digifrog, but I'm guessing most of us aren't local. I really admire those souls who participate in these crossings.

I'm sure if you could get a piece on your local radio station or newspaper you would get quite a few willing volunteers. Is your local wildlife trust involved as they often have enthusiastic volunteers that would be only too eager to assist?

[Wild-Woman]

I'd be there if it was near. Shame. I love frogs and toads. Hope lots turn out to help though.

A rivetting job.

[glsammy]

Round here we take our toad care seriously. Just a few minutes from where I live they even close the road for a few weeks, banning all transport. How the postman etc. get their jobs done I've no idea, but the toads come first!

[Fourwings]

I've always been more than willing to help frogs and toads cross the roads safely when possible and I think the effort that these volunteers make to ensure their saftey is to be highly commended

[goosey]

I really wish I could help you out but I'm no where near. It must be a good feeling to be hands on with something like that and much more fulfilling than writing a cheque! Good luck. Have you tried local radio or any local papers to plead your case? - sorry if thats stating the obvious.
Actaually try a new title for this post to grab peoples attention.