3,000 toads rescued from Bath road
An unusual wildlife project which helps amorous toads cross the road in Bath has this year rescued nearly 3,000 amphibians.
Every year the northern part of Charlcombe Lane on the edge of Bath is closed to enable the creatures' annual migration from fields to breeding grounds at a nearby lake.
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No through traffic can use the lane for six weeks, while volunteers help to carry toads, frogs and newts over the road every evening during the peak of the breeding season.
In total this year 1,593 toads were saved, along with 902 frogs and 474 newts, making a total of 2,969 amphibians.
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Helen Hobbs, co-ordinator of the Charlcombe Lane Toad Patrol scheme, said because the weather had been relatively dry over the migration period, volunteers had thought numbers would be down.
However, the number was similar to last year when 2,954 amphibians were saved.
The highest number recorded in one night saw 245 toads, 459 frogs and 83 newts rescued.
Mrs Hobbs said: "Thanks to the many volunteers who came along to help at short notice we were able to record 787 amphibians alive with only 24 dead, which was an amazing effort, particularly as there was a lot of fast traffic during the early evening."
She added: "As always, our figures can never be exact as undoubtedly many more cross the road when we have gone home but at least our records give an indication that the Charlcombe amphibian population is surviving well."
For more information about the toad patrol, go to www.froglife.org.
Comments
by MoeXXX
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 10:49PM
“Well done to all involved. Always nice to see people sticking up for the little guys for once!”
by jezer
Monday, June 18 2012, 6:00PM
“A great story! I remember a toad crossing a narrow lane in front of me. I was driving my car, not cycling, and I had to wait five minutes, but I didn't mind at all”
by mrGoth
Monday, June 18 2012, 8:05AM
“A great story ,really nice to see people giving up their time for our amphibian friends!”
by Juneplayer
Sunday, June 17 2012, 6:06PM
“I read this story every year and just love it! Wish it were nearer to where I live and I would definately join in.”
by aurea_flamma
Sunday, June 17 2012, 5:35AM
“Fantastic - awesome work everyone!”
by capndave
Saturday, June 16 2012, 10:49PM
“Wonderful effort everyone! No wonder my ponds are full of tadpoles. The return journey's going to be well crowded.”