Toadwatch safety scheme launched at Docking in Norfolk

The parish council at Docking, near Hunstanton, hopes to recruit volunteers to keep a look-out on roads used by the creatures to reach their breeding ponds in the village.

Parish clerk Annalisa Dovey said: "With warmer weather arriving earlier due to climate change, toads are now moving at peak traffic times, putting them at greater risk on roads like Bradmere Lane, Pound Lane, and Little Lane. 

One of the ponds at Docking where toads spawn beside a road (Image: Chris Bishop)

"The Toadwatch scheme will help safely guide toads to their breeding ponds during the February migration.

"We invite local volunteers to get involved in this important effort to safeguard our wildlife. We have a public meeting planned in November and invite everyone interested to come along."

Toads begin congregating at their spawning ponds in early spring, on damp nights when the temperature is above 5C.

But many are killed crossing roads on the way to their couplings, which often happen around St Valentine's Day.

Many toads are killed crossing roads on their way to the ponds where they spawn (Image: Simon Finlay)

Toadwatch volunteers pitch up at dusk along crossing points armed with torches, gloves and buckets.

They keep watch for toads, picking up any attempting to cross the road and carrying them across to safety. 

Toadwatch groups operate in 20 villages across Norfolk, including Costessey, Great Massingham, Costessey, Salthouse, Stibbard and West Runton. Last year they saved almost 20,000 toads.

Similar groups operate elsewhere across the country, coordinated by the group Froglife.

Toadwatch patrols operate across Norfolk (Image: Angela Sharpe)

Toads are widespread but believed to be in decline by conservation groups.

They do not breed until they are four years old, by which time they may have travelled long distances from the pond they hatched in.

"Once they are four years old they travel back to the same pond to breed and, after breeding, will return to the same home," says the Toadwatch website. 

"No one knows how such a small animal can find its way for such a long journey."