Toads on Roads

User comments

Dave Fincham
So far - over the last 6 weeks or so - we have moved just over 4,400 toads at this crossing (over 1,000 in a single evening), and although there are now quite a few dispersing from the breeding ponds, when the temperature is high enough there are still around 100+ per night coming towards the ponds. Unfortunately, the land from which many of them are coming has outline planning permission, and if and when development goes ahead, it will both destroy the hibernaculae and inevitably pollute the water in the breeding ponds situated in a Local Nature Reserve immediately across the road. LOCATION: 52.0305,1.1268 DATE: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:13:33 GMT WOtM team: That's an incredible achievement. Jules Howard from Froglife is especially impressed and was wondering if you could get in contact with us so we could get some more details from you?

Andi Main
A lot of big toads here, why do they repeatedly wait outside the door to be let in? LOCATION: 42.8901,1.3348 DATE: Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:56:56 GMT

minshull
I found a small black Toad under a stone in the garden.It had red eyes.I covered it up again. LOCATION: 53.1418,-0.0055 DATE: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:53:59 UTC

David Kerridge
Whilst tidying my front garden (14.10.08) I disturbed what I assumed was a toad (it actually squealed) which drew my attention to it. I got quite a surprise because I had not previously heard a frog/toad make any kind of noise. It did not appear to have come to any harm as it quickly scrambled into the base of my hedge LOCATION: 54.9465,-1.6432 DATE: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:04:38 UTC

Lulu
Found two toads in the garden this weekend. LOCATION: 54.1069,-3.1936 DATE: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:54:45 UTC

Martin Westcott
While moving my bin in the garden I saw three toads (I think they were toads) we have no ponds or water near us, how do they get around and where do the come from? I was told they eat slugs and snails so I would like to encourage them to stay how do I do this. LOCATION: 50.3612,-4.0787 DATE: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 15:56:46 UTC WOtM team: They migrate between their hibernation sites and ponds where they mate. If you want to attract them into your garden, make sure there is a lot of variety and lots of wet and dark places.

Susan Carthy
Saw a frog or toad in garden, Lincolnshire Wolds. Small, 3inches in length, warts, and completely black in colour, not mud covered. Area damp under shed. Wondered what it was. LOCATION: 52.933300,-1.500000 DATE: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 15:29:46 UTC

David Avery-Prain
Found in the long grass of my garden, when strimming today. I guess a toad and its mate or there were two of them, not together. I saw a toad a couple of months ago in the garden which was a pale green-yellow colour. LOCATION: 51.9117,-2.5873 DATE: Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:27:44 GMT

Emma Ward
We live just up from the Figgate burn in Edinburgh and think we have found a common toad under our plant pot! The toad is almost black and about the size of a man`s hand. Is it lost or about to hibernate? We would appreciate some advise. Thanks! LOCATION: 55.950001,-3.200000 DATE: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:27:18 UTC WOtM team: They'll be hibernating in the next few months but the little fella is probably enjoying all the wet weather at the moment.

JOYCE FOWLER
Toad on my doorstep last night Tuesday 9th September LOCATION: 54.6134,-1.0767 DATE: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:32:14 UTC

Jeanette Dumbrell
The toad I discovered on Friday 29th August was sheltering by the side of our shed in the back garden it was almost black with warty skin a neighbour helped me move it to fields close by. LOCATION: 53.4799,-2.4994 DATE: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 17:32:10 UTC

Nick Di Biasio
I spotted a large toad whilst cleaning out a brick built shed in my garden. It moved quite fast and squeezed itself under the back door but couldn't fit and eventually went back into the shed! LOCATION: 54.000000,-2.000000 DATE: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:46:43 UTC

David McHarg
I have an allotment along side the river Clyde at Parkhead, while clearing away old cuttings and old wood I came across a very large docile toad, I moved it out of harms way, I had already noticed that I had not seen many slugs in my allotment, so I hope it hangs about. LOCATION: 55.833302,-4.250000 DATE: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:38:58 UTC

paulina
LOCATION: 55.833302,-4.250000 DATE: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 16:30:56 UTC LOCATION: 55.833302,-4.250000 DATE: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 16:30:59 UTC

Craig and Hola
30-31/07/2008 Lots and lots crossing footpath at Cambus Pools. At least 40-50 seen on each day LOCATION: 56.1080,-3.8383 DATE: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 17:18:03 UTC

June H
One toad in my garden today, hiding among some pebbles behind a couple of pot plants. This is the first time ever that I've seen one in my garden. It looked about 2.5 - 3 inches long by about 2 inches wide. LOCATION: 56.1211,-3.1201 DATE: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:37:47 UTC

Christine Burgess
The toad I saw was in my back garden. LOCATION: 51.4677,-3.1421 DATE: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:08:19 UTC

Anne Southon
27/29 July 08, one adult male caught by cats (rescued) 28th one small male caught by cats (recued) LOCATION: 50.8372,-0.0879 DATE: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:10:51 UTC

Jon Sutcliffe
Small juvenile common toad (appx 1.25 ins) seen in Enfield garden on evening of 27th July. Seemed to be heading generally North-NW. LOCATION: 51.6445,-0.0647 DATE: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:34:26 UTC

Davina Heasman
I'm not sure if my toad was migrating, but i nearly stepped on it outside my back door last week.I also have 4 small toads apparently living in my polytunnel. I had some there most of last summer, then they disappeared for a while, Some very small ones appeared in spring of this year - one was nearly stood on as is struggled through some of the unruly growth on the "path" in the middle of the tunnel. Is it possible that they are hibernating in there? Incidentally, the small toads seem to be growing very fast. I love seeing them! I have a small pond at the bottom of the garden (saw one frog there this year), and a burn runs just outside the bottom boundary of the garden, which is south facing on the north side of the Black Isle fairly near the Cromarty bridge. LOCATION: 57.5748,-4.3835 DATE: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:59:00 UTC

Rob S
Bufo americanus Several individuals spotted on farm 6 miles due west of Middleburg, VaHopping around the grass on a farm; near the spring and pond. Quite adorable LOCATION: 40.1789,-76.9043 DATE: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:15:12 GMT

Iain McEwan
He was mooching through my garden, and he was gorgeous.I moved him to a safer location, away from the wife's cats. LOCATION: 53.7341,-0.2280 DATE: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:45:10 GMT

Simon & Wendy
Whilst walking around Arthur's Seat in the rain, saw many (40 in 10 minutes) tiny (1cm) toadlets struggling to get up the kerb (road has been closed to allow their migration). LOCATION: 55.9447,-3.1522 DATE: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 18:17:12 UTC

Val Wallace
Members of Dalbeattie Forest Community Partnership have observed Common toads in Dalbeattie forest for a number of years and particularly at Woodhouse - site of an old homestead, where we are trying to improve the biodiversity. Map reference NX845585. LOCATION: 54.9303,-3.8342 DATE: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:19:11 UTC

Anne-Marie
We have a pond in the back garden. Toads have been coming back to the pond since February (I think). Tadpoles seem to have vanished now but I suspect they are growing their limbs in or around the pond plant and will be out in the masses within a few days/week or so. They seem to take a long time to grow in our pond for some reason ...Saw an adult toad heading towards the pond last night as it happens - he's probably a bit late for the action !! LOCATION: 51.4125,-0.2513 DATE: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:54:28 UTC

Nick Wagg
A spotted a toad on the path through a small larch wood, along Edge Cliff above Midhope Reservoir, OS grid ref SK226992. This was on Sunday 22nd June at about 11:30am. It was crawling in an easterly direction. I encouraged it off the path where it was less likely to be squashed. I also spotted a brown hare in an adjacent field, squatting in the grass with its back to the not inconsiderable wind. I found this odd because it was struggling to keep its ears flat to its back, so I expected it to face the wind. LOCATION: 53.4900,-1.6614 DATE: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:20:31 UTC

Nick Wagg
On Sunday 23rd June at about 11:30am I saw a toad crawling eastwards along the path along Edge Cliff, above Midhope reservoir, OS grid ref. SK226992. I encouraged it into the undergrowth alongside the path to try to minimise the risk of it being squashed. At the same time I observed a brown hare in a nearby field, hunkered down with its back to the considerable wind on that day. This surprised me because I thought that it would take less effort to hold its long ears flat against its body if it had been facing into the wind. LOCATION: 53.4913,-1.6672 DATE: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:17:49 UTC

R Foreman
Toads laid spawn in the next garden pond (SW5 - Earls Court) LOCATION: 51.4968,-0.1566 DATE: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:13:02 UTC

Naomi Southern
One single toad, seen by accident. Appearing to have just come out of the park gates and facing down St Cross Road LOCATION: 51.7593,-1.2505 DATE: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:19:52 UTC

edward mills
lots of toads normally seen in september here LOCATION: 54.2727,-3.0625 DATE: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:18:02 UTC

Kara
Emma Tarry....I know you love frogs we talked about it years ago in Florida USA at a conference......I miss you and have been trying to reach you. Please contact me. LOCATION: 39.111099,-84.574600 DATE: Mon, 9 Jun 2008 02:38:35 UTC

mandy lavia
I have seen the 5 toads in my garden last night this morning they r all gone LOCATION: 51.4557,-2.5873 DATE: Sat, 7 Jun 2008 09:34:37 UTC

ed
one in greenhouse LOCATION: 53.5207,-1.6830 DATE: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 16:55:20 UTC

Craig Mason
Found a common toad on our doorstep when we got home this evening! Perhaps he was looking for a bed LOCATION: 51.4523,-0.2280 DATE: Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:36:37 GMT

sam
found a HUGE dead toad in my garden. very sad. then another one hasw turned up. he's sitting right next to me now! I thought he'd died too, but he's just turned round! LOCATION: 51.4848,-0.1675 DATE: Sun, 25 May 2008 12:40:15 UTC

Charlotte Mordin
I think this toad is the same one that lived in my small front garden in Islington all last year. Just now found him hopping about in the sunken bit behind the garden. So glad to have a toad again. LOCATION: 51.4934,-0.0934 DATE: Fri, 23 May 2008 21:13:51 GMT

Michael Kerridge
toads all over my garden

James Boag
Big fat toad spotted in my pond this afternoon

john clayton
i have a colony of about 50 toads living in the stone pile in my back garden, on the 15 april i counted 45 toads crossing the local raod to a nearby pond LOCATION: 53.75,-0.50 DATE: Thu, 15 May 2008 10:15:32 GMT

Orlin Shirov
I spotted a lot of them Bufo Bufos there!

Eggy
Many mating pairs seen at The Mere in Scarborough & plenty of spawn had already been produced. In one small corner of mere, saw over 30 toads.Unfortunately, none in garden pond - but plenty of frogs!Didn't realise Llandrindod Wells had first toad crossing sign. I've helped toads across road to lake there - many years ago now! LOCATION: 54.2716,-0.4010 DATE: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:56:01 UTC

Ged Church
3 Newtonhill - Lentran Inverness IV3 8RN -Tuesday night 25th March Large movement of toads. About 8 dead ones on minor road next morning. The road is very quiet at night. For this many to be killed there must have been large numbers. About 6 seen over next five days moving during day. LOCATION: 57.4568,-4.4083 DATE: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:24:05 GMT

jason
3 or 4 toads spawned on the 12th april.They are still in the pond and the eggs hatched in today's sunshine. Do the adults eat their young ? LOCATION: 51.6555,-3.1339 DATE: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:43:10 UTC WOtM expert: Lucy Benyon from Froglife says - Common toads do not eat their own young; some amphibian species are known to be cannibalistic but not our native toad. It is a little unusual for the adults to remain in the pond for so long after the spawn has been laid, females in particular tend to spend very little time in water only visiting a pond to spawn in spring, but there should be no need to worry about the adults eating the tadpoles.

pauline shannon
a couple of toads come back to my humble little pond yearly. However this year I have had 2 big toads and I still have 2 small ones which must be last years hatchings, in the pond. I have had to dig a 'wet area' to put the frog and toad spawn into to prevent the fish from eating them.The newts haven't shown up this year which is quite worrying. LOCATION: 53.7503,-1.5985 DATE: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:41:25 UTC

Jo Murray
We're on a well established toad crossing. We had lots of toads, newts and frogs crossing every night despite the cold weather from 24th February until the end of March.Along with a merry band of volunteers who turned up every night, we helped the animals across the road to their mating pond on Nutfield Marsh. LOCATION: 51.2580,-0.1318 DATE: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:42:35 UTC WOtM team: That's good to hear - the toads need our protection from rush hour traffic if their numbers are to remain constant. Froglife's website is a great resource if anyone else is interested in joining a Toad Patrol.

Sydney ,Shirley
i found a toad outside what should i feed it? LOCATION: 40.8034,-72.8943 DATE: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:24:36 UTC WOtM expert: Jules Howard from Froglife says "Frogs and toads are pretty relaxed when it comes to feeding. Generally the rule is: if it moves and it’s smaller than your mouth, then have a pop if it comes near enough. As a result they’re quite at home in gardens where they can take their pick from a veritable bounty – ants, beetles, worms, caterpillars, mosquitos, woodlice, spiders... Frogs and toads are particularly good at dealing with slugs and snails though – the original “gardener’s friends”. This is quite likely why it’s living locally – in fact it’ll probably stick around for the rest of the summer now the breeding season is over. Overall then fear not: there’s plenty for the toad to take its pick from so you shouldn’t need to provide anything except a wildlife-friendly garden for it to call home - there’s no such thing as too many compost heaps and log piles! (and don’t get me started on ponds)."

joke wardle
toads,mainly male, appeared in one little pond on 3rd april, other fishing pond on 4th april. Counted in second pond about 50 toads, but went back on 12th to second pond but were many less in evidence, had snowy week here. Later than last year, by 2 weeks i would say. In a third little local quarry saw 1 toad, and 2 or 3 dead, ripped up ones LOCATION: 57.1510,-2.8043 DATE: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:51:39 GMT

Anne Mead
I drove from Snainton to Troutsdale to Hackness to Throxenby Mere last Friday night at about 8pm. I started to see the occasional toad on the road between Troutsdale and the junction with the Hackness-Langdale End Road. Having turned towards Hackness at the junction, there were increasing numbers on the road and I stopped the car so that I could show my son and his friend (ages 10-11). In addition to the live toads, there were sadly many squashed ones but it would have been impossible for vehicles to avoid them all. Numbers were high into Hackness, then dropped again until we approached Throxenby Mere. I stopped in the mere car park and we got out and watched numerous "double-decker toad couples all heading towards the mere and more actually in the water. Will the spawn have survived the sharp drop in temperature and snow of the next two days? When I told a colleague about our experience, he said he had seen the same the previous Saturday, 29 March, when he had driven to the Hackness Grange Hotel. LOCATION: 53.1698,-1.8347 DATE: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:36:03 UTC WOtM team: Unfortunately, spawn is unlikely to have survived prolonged bouts of cold weather. However, if there are survivors they will be able to pass on their hardy characteristics to the genepool.

Rita
Two adult toads in my garden, courting noisily! Rural area, wildlife corridor on edge of Leeds to Liverpool canal.Conditions damp and mild.Also in garden: foxes, grey squirrels, ducks (mallard, occasional tufted), Canada geese, moorhens, many other birds, deer, an occasional badger and a pair of pheasent. LOCATION: 53.8169,-1.6507 DATE: Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:37:25 GMT

Tom Gilkes
20th March large toad walking along the pavement in Islington on her way to the Regents Canal. Helped the toad over the road. A very large and presumably aged specimen which was surprising considering the hazardous journey. LOCATION: 51.5275,-0.0934 DATE: Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:14:28 GMT

Sarah Askew
We are currently over-run with mating toads (three pairs just today, 2nd April)! We live about a hundred metres from a pond and the toads seem to come back this way every year to mate. They keep getting stuck in our garden (which is bowl shaped at the bottom) so I'm attempting to move them to a moister, safer place but hope I'm not doing them any harm in doing so! LOCATION: 53.7942,-1.5436 DATE: Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:06:03 GMT

Ruby
Saw either frogs or toads on move late last night on Old Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, SW of Birmingham. I couldn't get out of the car to have a closer look as it would not have been safe. There were probably at least 50-60, spread out along the Blackwell/Burcot end of the lane. It was distressing as most of them were squashed or half-squashed, and they did look very dopey! I was not able to turn the car, so decided to slalom through them slowly. LOCATION: 51.500000,-0.116700 DATE: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 11:37:04 UTC

J.Sheriff
4 Toads seen crossing road between Den of Lindores and Lindores towards the burn.Monday 31 march 8:30 in the evening.3 Toads seen at Lindores House Tues 1 April 10:00p.m. Seemed like one pair had already started mating or the bigger toad was giving the little toad a lift. LOCATION: 56.3398,-3.1970 DATE: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 19:53:59 UTC

irene dunsmuir
Toad seen on Monday,31st March at approx.11.00am on a foot path near the beach.It was a large healthy adult but rather sluggish! LOCATION: 52.9685,0.6262 DATE: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 16:07:09 UTC

David Konkel Wem Shropshire
1toad seen at 20:45 on garden path LOCATION: 52.8542,-2.7136 DATE: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 21:19:19 UTC

Joshua & Emma Tarry
We live on a new estate that was built in an old quarry in Mansfield, Notts. We think that the quarry must have been a good habitat for the frogs & toads as we see hundreds each year. Tonight we have been taking the toads off the roads & putting leaflets through our neighbours doors to ask them to be careful. There were lots & lots of toads on the roads tonight. I was really upset to see some squished.We have seen the toads together, one being carried on the others back. Not sure if they are mating or if it is mummy & baby.What else can we do to help these lovely creatures? LOCATION: 53.1418,-1.1865 DATE: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:57:57 UTC

David Liddell
22:00 hrs. 31.3.08. Forty toads on the side road beside Pitmuies Gardens. In groups of four or five. Absolutely still, wouldn't move even when encouraged. Plus 5 or 6 dead ones, squished. Have seen more than this 7 or 8 years ago in the same spot. Others have seen large numbers of toads here periocdically. There is a burn which passes under the road nearby. Often the road is flooded around this point. It has been warmer for the past two days, very warm sun today although there was a frost early this morning. There has been a lot of rain in the last two days. Going to take a photo now and send it in. LOCATION: 56.5807,-2.7713 DATE: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:07:23 UTC

darren
Though the toads are not on the move to migrate, they camp in my garden.However, I only seen 3 of them and i do not know what gender they are? LOCATION: 1.2633,103.8483 DATE: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:08:03 UTC

Richard Edwards
Found in the rain walking down the road...! LOCATION: 51.6317,0.3845 DATE: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:59:26 UTC

DUQUENNE Nicolas
Since view years, common toads are observed during their migration. A road separates the wood, where the hibernation takes place and the pond. So, a very simple plant enables to save them from a very brutal death. Every morning, volunteers help toads to cross the road. In 5 weeks , more than 1600 toads have been saved. It's now a very interessing place for pupils to see how to save wild life ! LOCATION: 51.1742,5.0125 DATE: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:00:34 GMT

sarah
We found a load of toads next to our neighbours large pond last weekend - probably about 12, all dead and in poor body condition. A couple had been squashed on the track but the others were in the long grass immediately adjacent to the water. Maybe the recent cold weather combined with the energy demands of non stop mating was a lethal cocktail! LOCATION: 54.0513,-2.7466 DATE: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:14:16 UTC

Martine Kozlowski
We've got a frog in our garden and puzzled as to where it came from. It hibernated there and came out last week just before the weather turned freezing cold. I hope it is alright. How can we care for it? LOCATION: 51.4643,-0.2005 DATE: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:35:44 GMT

Pat Winn
I have a large clump of frogsporn in my small pond along with nine goldfish. How can I stop the goldfish eating the frog spawn? I do have as many as nine frogs in my pond at times LOCATION: 53.7682,-0.3406 DATE: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:08:11 GMT WOtM team: Unfortunately, we are not collecting data on frogs and there is very little you can do to stop fish eating spawn unless you separate them. Sorry!

jennylouisekenchington.
okyesok, LOCATION: 52.633301,-2.500000 DATE: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:20:37 GMT

irma williamson
Toads spawned for the first time in my 8' x 5' pond in Buxted, East Sussex. Counted between 8-12 which seemed to come mainly from the garden and surrounding gardens. Spawn appears to be infertile. Were they just immature or is there something wrong? Not many frogs spawning this year, only 4 pairs seen. LOCATION: 51.466702,-0.350000 DATE: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:03:04 UTC WOtM team: If you have found white and opaque spawn, this is is infertile and therefore dead spawn. This is usually because of low night temperatures so it seems some toads have migrated too early this season!

Dave the mill
We have a large pond (~25m diam) that always attracts huge numbers of toads at this time of year. We first saw toads this year about mid to late February when, after rain, they were homing in from all directions, some down the (minor) road. Shortly after many of them had been seen mating many, but not all, seemed to develop a horrible disease that discoloured their skin light blue and appeared to be indicative of dead (or useless) tissue. The disease spread very quickly from the lower limbs and within a day or two the affected toads were dead - completely blue/white in colour. The spawn is apparently healthy and if everything goes according to previous years' patterns then in a few month's time we'll be inundated with mini toads. Over a period of a couple of weeks they come out of the pond in their thousands. So much so that we can't mow the lawn or even walk on it without harming them.Incidentally, our property consists of about 6 acres surrounded by woods and farmland. It contains a modest stream and several other water courses as this is a former water mill. LOCATION: 51.8544,-5.0922 DATE: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:16:05 GMT

Judy Prior
18th March in the village of Cople. Toads are on the move here. Each year our natural pond - approx 60ft radius,becomes 'toad soup'. However, many get squashed on our little lane as they travel from a brook, across the lane to our pond and back again. I have hens protected by electric netting, and this can also be a fatal hazzard for them. Therefore, at this time of year I have to turn the electric off and keep my fingers crossed that the foxes don't realise. There are so many toads that the sight of a 'football' of toads slowly making it;s way to the pond is not unusual. LOCATION: 52.0981,-0.4175 DATE: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:47:34 UTC

beth higginbotham
toads are mating here at the moment.(end Feb/early march).Newborough warren area.I used to have about 30 living in the dry-stone walls of my house.Every year, there are hundreds of half-inch toads making their way across the lane and many get squashed by cars, in the dark.They do hop occasionally, but prefer to crawl.They don't like the rain , and wait for it to stop before appearing about 11pm ,to enjoy the dampness.They like to sit on my doorstep and "whistle" ,or rather "pipe" to their mates.I presume its the males,who are slightly smaller than the females.We also have frogs here in abundance ,sand lizards and newts. LL61 6RS LOCATION: 53.1517,-4.3561 DATE: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:50:30 UTC

Celine Allen
I managed to pick up several Toads on the evening of Friday 14th March. I moved them across the road on Rectory Drive in Burnham on Sea Somerset to the Lake side of the road. I am seriously thinking of asking our local council to put up Toad signs. Unfortunatly the following morning I saw how many did not make the crossing, very sad. Wonderful creatures. Even if they do pee on you when you try and help them. LOCATION: 51.2413,-2.9471 DATE: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:36:29 UTC

Tony Heneghan
Evening of 15th March 2008, Raining, mild, 10 degrees Celsius. Large numbers of toads and frogs heading downhills toward Weirwood Reservoir . Saw 1 - 200 Frogs and estimate around 50-60 Toads.Many were killed by passing traffic, though an early morning visit next day showed that birds and other scavengers had already cleaned up most of the dead bodies which had been observed the night before. LOCATION: 51.0932,-0.0165 DATE: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:31:19 GMT

Elizabeth Raff
From leaving the A35 - just after Bere Regis, across to MilborneStAndrew, then,via Long Cross (balloon marks the spot) on to Higher Ansty. I was avoiding toads along the journey home. But at "Long Cross" there were in excess of 20 crossing from right to left,of course, many more splattered! This has been for the last two nights.14/15 march. LOCATION: 50.8226,-2.2773 DATE: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 13:50:45 UTC

Leon
5 common toads sat RIGHT outside our front door tonight, several hundred more on the road and fields surrounding our garden! Awesome little things! LOCATION: 51.500000,-0.583300 DATE: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:06:18 GMT

Tony Heneghan
Scores of frogs and probably 50 toads, heading down toward Weirwood Reservoir.Many road casualties.Weather wet, Temperature 10 degrees celsius, Time 9pm. LOCATION: 51.1380,-0.0467 DATE: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:11:45 GMT

Nick Mac
I saw dozen of toads on the move tonight in Essex. It was quite mild 10C and wet and rainy. Unfortunately quite a few road kills included in the tally. Various sized toads from small to full size. LOCATION: 51.8403,0.4583 DATE: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:58:20 GMT LOCATION: 51.8403,0.4583 DATE: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:58:24 GMT

Nick Mac
I saw dozen of toads on the move tonight in Essex. It was quite mild 10C and wet and rainy. Unfortunately quite a few road kills included in the tally. Various sized toads from small to full size. LOCATION: 51.8403,0.4583 DATE: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:58:20 GMT

Apple
I saw 4 toads last night 13 March on the path by the millpond. And in the morning I saw 4 newts. LOCATION: 51.2931,-0.3386 DATE: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:50:01 UTC

Claire
I have one Toad in my garden, he has been hibernating under a small log on some mud....he is still there currently, I will be sad when he goes as we are in a residential area. He has a long journey ahead of him! LOCATION: 53.2307,-0.5493 DATE: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:54:10 UTC

John Spendlove
27th Feb 2008 We counted some 30 Frogs spawning in our bog garden . LOCATION: 54.1463,-2.7548 DATE: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:57:25 UTC

Ron Low
4th March 2008.Aberdeenshire. Balling toads and many loose males in storage dam of trout fishery. Toads evident only days after frogs had spawned, instead of the more usual two week gap. This is by far the earliest I have seen toads out and balling. Very early for this far north. LOCATION: 57.0691,-2.5104 DATE: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:06:59 GMT

Peter
This sighting refers to the 25.02.08. Roadside by the Carn Galva Mine, we found a single female Common Toad about to cross the road - having taken a photograph we carried her across the road. There is a small body of water to the South West of the mine, and we assume that was the destination.On driving away from the parking place at Carn Galva mine, we passed a pair of toads - the male hitchhiking on the back of a female - in the middle of the road, so we placed them on the western side as well. LOCATION: 50.1487,-5.6415 DATE: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:01:12 UTC

Barney Gill
Toads first appeared in pond 23/2/8. First spawn 29/2/8. Max numbers: 73 males, 15 females. LOCATION: 51.7601,-4.0518 DATE: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:58:35 GMT

John Hulse
Toads first seen on the main road this year on 18 February. There are several regular "toad crossings" in Trefriw as the toads migrate to the marshy Conwy valley area. LOCATION: 53.1556,-3.8250 DATE: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:47:58 GMT

Steve Joul
At Middleton Park, South Leeds, the main body of toads is yet to appear. A couple of Common Toad in amplexus and two further single male toads were found on Sunday 9th March and also 60 clumps of frogspawn plus a spent female Common Frog seen. There were 756 toads and 84 frogs counted during the evening of 27th March last year. It is so wonderful to see the interest shown by so many people here. LOCATION: 53.799999,-1.583300 DATE: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:02:54 UTC

sally thomas
Saw about 20 toads last Saturday evening on a public footpath in Eastington LOCATION: 51.7117,-2.3593 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:54:08 UTC

Debbs Kefford
Saw a solitary toad about two weeks ago in the drive of a house then tonight (11/03/08) at 10.30pm saw a mating couple of toads outside our front door! LOCATION: 54.5450,-1.5463 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:29:59 GMT

Don Donald
First toad present in my garden pond seen on the 8th March. Location, Mildenhall - Suffolk LOCATION: 52.3504,0.5411 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:28:29 UTC

Pauline Nelson
On our way to a school function at around 7pm on Thursday, 21st February, we noticed the road covered in what looked like frogs in the beam of the headlights. Avoiding them was impossible because there were so many and all seemed to be travelling roughly across from north to south. Although I've placed the marker on one of the roads we travelled, they were also on all of the country roads we used on the way to Ballymena. Later, we took an alternative route home, and although by that time there were fewer, there were still several to be seen all along the roads we chose once we left the town limits. Many of course had succumbed to the tyres of passing traffic! Having never witnessed anything quite like it, it became a topic of conversation. That weekend, on the way home from church on Sunday afternoon, we saw what looked like a crane feeding voraciously in a field as we passed. Whatever it was eating was in plentiful supply every few steps it took. We can only assume that a few more hapless toads were meeting a miserable end! The bird should have been a heron - we don't have cranes here! Incidently, we now realise the 'frogs' were toads because of the decription on your programme which I chanced to hear for the first time last Tuesday. They crawled, rather than hopped! I can also remember the temperature that evening as being very mild. Thanks for the opportunity to report something that seemed so unusual!! LOCATION: 54.7955,-6.0971 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:16:37 UTC

David Byng
I picked up a toad/frog in Murray Road Wimbledon (quite close to Wimbledon Common) a couple of nights ago at about midnight. It was on the footpath about to head across the road. I picked it up and put it in a garden across the road. It was quite large - about 3/4 of my palm LOCATION: 51.4711,-0.1511 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:52:47 UTC

Bill Keatley
Toad spawn in ponds on farm at Little Upton Farm, PO33 4BS LOCATION: 50.6738,-1.2085 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:29:17 GMT

Corin Harrison
Saw a toad in a small lane that runs into our private road two days ago. It was at around 11.00 AM which I thought surprising but it was huge, about the size of a tea saucer. The lane has fencing on either side and runs for around 50 metres so should I have picked him up and taken him to our garden which has two large ponds? The ponds have quite a number of frogs already in residence so do they live in harmony? LOCATION: 51.2860,-0.2994 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:19:33 UTC

Maggie Taylor
I have had a toad in my new pond for the last 3 weeks -- it is clutching its young to its chestthis is the first toad I have seen in the garden - and the pond was only completed last summer 07 LOCATION: 50.2893,0.0000 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:13:15 UTC

Peter Foot
I travel from Faringdon to Oxford and back every day. So, far, no sightings.Peter LOCATION: 51.6197,-1.7111 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:03:35 UTC

Lynne John Bryncoch Neath
Up to this point our Toad Patrollers have picked up 373 toads, 12 frogs and 1 smooth newt on the roads since Feb 7th. The highest number rescued in one night was 94 but this can be follwed by very low numbers or even no toads seen for days. The weather has been very changeable this last month or so. Now we are noticing that some toads are making their way back from their large breeding pond. it is sometimes very difficult to know whether they are travelling to or from the pond. It is easier to determine this with the females as they look much slimmer after spawning. Both males and females seem to move more slowly on their return from the pond. If anyone knows any other signs which indicate which way they are travelling please let me know. LOCATION: 51.500000,-0.116700 DATE: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:43:49 UTC

Helen Hobbs
Patrolled crossing at Charlcombe Lane, Bath. Records for Saturday 8 March, 6.30-9pm: 125 toads, 37 frogs, 35 palmate newts - all alive. Only 6 toad traffic casualties seen. LOCATION: 51.3804,-2.3785 DATE: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:12:50 UTC

Janet Richardson
First sighting of 3 toads and 3 frogs on 18 Jan when weather was warm (+10c) wet and windy. For four nights another 58 toads were helped down and across this lane near Taunton into their breeding pond. All were males apart from 2 pairs. The toads and frogs have had a difficult migration season this year with the weather changing every few days but a constant spell of damp mild weather for the last 10days of February saw our patrol team keeping very busy with 296 toads moved on 29 Feb. We have been looking after this crossing point now for 25 years and we have been very happy to see the numbers of toads remain constant and this year the numbers of frogs helped (not easy!) increase. Frog spawn appeared on 2 March; Toad spawn on 8 March. Migration stopped on 8 March. Soon we have the task of helping them move back into gardens and surrounding fields. More and more people who use this lane have also promised to avoid squashing toads where possible. We post the final total on the 'froglfe sign' at the end of the season. In 2007 it was 1700 toads! LOCATION: 51.0086,-3.1421 DATE: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:17:14 UTC

David Wilkinson
Saturday March 8th large numbers of toads on the move - an annual event - started in the Vally lane, Pedo Lane area of Swaby, Lincolnshire. Mild evening with heavy rain. LOCATION: 53.2652,0.1099 DATE: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:05:59 GMT

Ana Rodrigues
Single common toad seen in a field near Snettisham - 24th February 2008 LOCATION: 52.8797,0.4535 DATE: Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:03:15 GMT

Dominique Pahud
Clearing the garden before the storm. Found a lovely yellowy toad with small black markings hiding in a damp leafy corner of a step, not far from my wormery. LOCATION: 51.4506,-2.5928 DATE: Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:50:28 GMT

Andrew Town, Clevedon, North Somerset
The first toads returning from spawning in the rhynes were recorded 8/3. Toads are now going in both directions requiring extra care to establish which direction to take then across the road. 448 recorded going to spawn so far. Also 104 Palmate Newts. LOCATION: 52.5697,-0.4916 DATE: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 12:03:40 UTC

Viv Booth
Toads on the move three weeks ago (22nd Feb) here at Ln118LU in the north of Loncolnshire at Louth. LOCATION: 54.000000,-2.000000 DATE: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 10:34:48 UTC

Beth Dawson
I have an old fashioned sink filled with water in my garden, this morning there are two toads (male & female) which appear to be mating. Is this a bit early? LOCATION: 52.3773,0.0055 DATE: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 09:57:08 UTC

Andrew Carter
The first rain for weeks meant that there were many toads out last night (08/03). A check at 2300 at the local hotspot produced the expected result - 60 dead on the road, plus 20 living - to which a male/female pairing on the way back can be added for certain, unlike the other poor pair I found. LOCATION: 51.0345,-1.7303 DATE: Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:52:19 GMT

Neil Hoskins
If toads always return to the ponds they were born in, how do I attract them to a new garden pond? Frogs and newts seem to find their own way, but my five-year-old garden pond is still unfortunately devoid of toads. LOCATION: 51.500000,-0.116700 DATE: Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:23:09 GMT

ian bailey
Several toads seen in garden pond LOCATION: 51.5926,-0.0669 DATE: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 09:11:03 UTC

pauline burman
common toad sighted 29th February 2008 aiming towards a small pond/wetland area in an urban setting LOCATION: 58.9840,5.6717 DATE: Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:04:00 GMT

Janet Kreysa
On Monday March 3, in mild damp weather, 40 toads and 2 frogs had collected overnight in the 30 buckets behind a 400 meter stretch of fence. From Monday night temperatures dropped below freezing and there was snow, and no frogs or toads were out . On Friday morning, March 7 when the temperature had risen to 5°C I found just 2 toads. LOCATION: 50.7208,6.9571 DATE: Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:43:17 GMT

Neil Burditt from Oakham, Rutland.
Found Toad on the move at Boughton House near Kettering on Monday 3rd March. If you would like to contact me my email is: neilburditt@hotmail.com LOCATION: 52.4091,-0.7388 DATE: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 13:40:30 UTC

Miss Jane Perryman
Have had about 20 toads mating in pond for last 10 days and spawn appeared in last couple. Also have few frogs in garden (I disturbed one accidentally) but not so active at moment. Just picked one toad up today and brought him in for food (and rest) as seemed very thin and sleepy - weather colder today. Will try him on Mealworms and Waxworms and see what weather does. My garden is TINY, about 24ft by 12ft with a pond of about 4ft x 6ft and an even smaller bog garden attached. I guess there is a finite number of toads which my small garden can support. I have often wondered whether to feed them in the hot dry summers - I figure meal worms would do the trick but then once started when to stop and would this raise population artifically high - not to mention the cost!My garden/gardening is solely for wildlife and so I grow Strawberries and Hostas for the slugs, for the frogs and toads. I avoid gardening as much as possible apart from a quick and careful annual 'tidy up' about now. I have a couple of small log piles and clay pipes etc. dotted about for cover. One evenng a couple of years ago I could hardly see the pond for mating toads but last year and so far this year not so many - at least not all at once!Two years ago one of the toads used to croak back when spoken to in the eveniing which was fun - I have also had one hop into the kitchen last summer. He had a good look (hop) about before returning outside of his own accord. Another evening about 2 years ago I came home to find a toad 'sat' bolt upright outside the front door, staring at it. I wished him good evening, enquired if he had been waiting long, picked him up and carried him through the house to the pond! Luckily none of my neighbours heard me although they quite often tell me one of 'my toads' was is their garden but go on to reassure me that they have put him back in my pond. I feel quite sorry for these poor toads who are trying to lead their own life only to keep being picked up and returned whence they (may) have come.I have dragonfly larvae (nymphs) in the pond, pond skaters and once a water boatman along with what appear to be small leeches (Yuk) I also have Mason Bee tubes and have great fun watching them, and a Bumble Bee Box which was used for a while last year but unfortunately the nest failed, possibly due to the bad summer. I gather toads have been known to sit outside hives and pick of bees as they come and go but not seen 'my' toads do this. Sorry to chat on but I adore watching the comings and goings of the garden and finding ways to make the behaviour of the inhabitants seem funny! Jane LOCATION: 51.1432,-0.9888 DATE: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 12:47:49 UTC

Jeremy Collett
Starting on Friday 22 Feb. Eight toads killed over five days on the same junction! LOCATION: 50.7413,-1.8607 DATE: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:38:15 GMT

Norwich Toad watch
We have collected 412 Toads at our Toad crossing controle points LOCATION: 52.6281,1.2222 DATE: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 19:01:40 UTC

Monica Byles
We found a toad by the side of the road in a heavy residential area – largely flats – and transferred it to the pond in our school nature garden. Lots of frogs already in residence, with plenty of frogspawn, some affected by the frost this week. A heron visits regularly, so it'll be interesting to see what survives this summer. LOCATION: 51.500000,-0.116700 DATE: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:26:45 GMT LOCATION: 51.4546,-.2980 DATE: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:29:29 GMT

Ben
I have 6 large toads in my pond, one is HUGE LOCATION: 53.5060,-2.5117 DATE: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:21:44 GMT

Paolo Lubrano Lavadera
A great number of toads going north crossing gardens- roads- and paths at the back of Myton rd. in Warwick on the way to river avon and gran union canal sadly a grat number will be run over by cars not trying to avoid them LOCATION: 52.2682,-1.5848 DATE: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:04:47 GMT

Gill Nicholls
on 28th February unfortunately saw two dead toads on my usual early morning walk in the village - this was after several mild/damp days LOCATION: 50.7295,-4.6335 DATE: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 09:20:32 UTC

Ged Church
One rather skinny toad heading west across garden grass. LOCATION: 57.4538,-4.3966 DATE: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:03:07 GMT

David Berger
There have been greater than 30 toads within 20 yards of the back door for the last week or so, more when it is wet. No other animals seen. LOCATION: 52.4828,-4.3616 DATE: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 02:44:26 UTC

J. Sheriff
Single Toad, on drive heading for the loch. LOCATION: 56.3372,-3.1923 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 20:39:03 UTC

Caroline Thomson
We are in postcode IV2 5ER 6mls south of Inverness. We have just seen a large no of Toads & Frogs in our Garden thrashing about in broad daylight & with great enthusiasm! LOCATION: 57.4612,-4.2270 DATE: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:17:42 GMT

Srah Oram
I saw the first 3–4 squashed toads on the season on the morning of Mon 25th Feb. I did not find any live toads any night until Fri 29th Feb. although i saw 1–2 which had been squashed on the Mon. & Tues. nights. I collected 10 common toads and 2 frogs between approx. 8.30p.m. and 10.30p.m. on the evening of Fri. 29th Feb., there were also at least another 2 squashed that I saw on that night. I have not seen any more live or squashed since then until the time of writing (5.45p.m. 6th Mar.). The last night I went out to look for them was Mon. 3rd Mar. LOCATION: 52.2850,0.7169 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 17:47:38 UTC

Elizabeth Highton
There are at least 6/8 toads and toadspawn in my pond, seen today (6 March). There are also frogs and some frogspawn. LOCATION: 51.9933,1.3458 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 15:57:57 UTC

sarah fenwick
seen lots of toads on the roads and also they are spawning in my pond LOCATION: 53.3309,-2.8125 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:24:30 UTC

Jenny Ingram
About 3 or 4 toads making their way across this minor road, from the field hedge to the woods (haven't ever seen them going the other way, strangely). This was at least 2 weeks ago (around 21/22 Feb) LOCATION: 50.7596,-3.4985 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:15:23 UTC

samantha nye
4/3/08 am - 1 Toad in pond, along with many mating frogs and frogspawn. LOCATION: 51.4626,-0.4257 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 12:45:07 UTC

Janine Birkett
Large numbers of toads spotted in our village by a friend (or frogs - she didn't know the difference) . They were crossing the road on a wet night last week. We'd had several warm days followed by rain. LOCATION: 53.2570,-2.2247 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:53:13 UTC LOCATION: 53.583302,-2.216700 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:57:50 UTC

Janine Birkett
Large numbers of toads spotted in our village by a friend (or frogs - she didn't know the difference) . They were crossing the road on a wet night last week. We'd had several warm days followed by rain. LOCATION: 53.2570,-2.2247 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:53:13 UTC

Ben Bayliss
2 toads enjoying each others company! on my driveway IN BROAD DAYLIGHT LOCATION: 54.1230,-2.7325 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:08:02 UTC

Suzi Hawkins
1 toad seen this morning LOCATION: 54.6120,-3.0620 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:06:14 UTC

Christina Lloyd-Jenkins
Just to let you know that toads in our locality started on the move on March 5th 2008.Post code IV27 4LR which is North West Sutherland Scotland coastal LOCATION: 53.583302,-2.433300 DATE: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:12:46 GMT

janice duncan
2 toads mating on the lawn one evening LOCATION: 53.6446,-2.5818 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 09:30:15 UTC

janice duncan
LOCATION: 53.6528,-2.5928 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 09:27:13 UTC

Jane Tiley
We have toad spawn in our pond again this year. We are at Cullompton, Devon, EX15 1NU LOCATION: 50.8129,-3.4937 DATE: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 08:47:14 UTC

Gina Grunskis
Lots of large fat toads on the Westerdale road tonight, but they didn't look like your picture of a common toad. These were a bright mustard yellow with distinctive black markings on their backs and a mustard coloured belly. Size about 3 inches from nose to tail. Their skin was shiny and their backs not so obviously warty as the one in your photo. Were they a different kind of toad? LOCATION: 58.5152,-3.5046 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 23:51:45 UTC WOtM team: To be honest, they sound like frogs - toads have a warty, brown-grey coloured skin. Common toads also tend to waddle or crawl along whereas frogs hop and leap around.

Marie Douglas
coming home from dog training my car headlights revealed a toad in the road (pardon the rhyme) 10.30 pm Monday 25th Feb 2008 heavy rain it was crossing a lane near Rockwood Caerphilly South Wales..a few years ago I use to see loads at this location, this is the only one this year thus far that I have seen. I put it to the other side of the road as there was traffic coming out of the training venue. Lots of Bumble bees down this way too. LOCATION: 51.5685,-3.2684 DATE: Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:47:28 GMT

Jane Cochrane
We have a natural pond in our garden which have for many years been a recognised breeding place for toads. The toads cross East Lane and work their way down to our pond and my neighbour's two ponds. Over the past two weeks I have moved some 150+ toads from the road and have counted another 100 or so around the property. In my courtyard I have a very small pond also and using a strong torch I have counted 20 toads in the pond and around the courtyard.Things have been rather quieter for the last few days as the weather has turned rather colder but no doubt things will get busier when the weather warms up! Would be very happy for a research team to film or come to view the toads. LOCATION: 52.1229,1.3600 DATE: Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:00:45 GMT

Dean Wise
A few toads seen moving across road to breeding pond on 26th February. Mass migration is expected any time now. On warm wet nights hundreds cross the road, sometimes at great cost to the population. LOCATION: 54.0175,-1.1975 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 22:25:21 UTC

Dean Wise
Toads cross road to reach pond breeding site. This year a few were on the move on 26th February. A much busier time is expected any time soon. LOCATION: 54.0094,-1.1948 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 22:18:38 UTC

Tracey
I found a toad and toad spawn in our garden pond last week - first time!!! LOCATION: 52.3907,-1.4859 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 21:52:00 UTC

Carrie Goldsmith
My husband and I counted at least 25 toads on 22nd February at approximately 8:00PM. On the way home at around midnight we saw even more, two of which were in the throws of 'love' in the middle of the lane. Luckily it's a quiet lane that time of night. LOCATION: 51.1018,-0.7196 DATE: Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:43:26 GMT

Jenny
Saw one walking across a bridle path in the evening of 23rd Feb. It was dark, so I was lucky not to run it over. LOCATION: 50.9117,-1.9185 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 21:40:44 UTC

simon
one toad spotted on the pavement outside a garden. (alive!) LOCATION: 51.4497,-0.2077 DATE: Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:35:48 GMT

west
there aren't as many toads this year, yet,but they started to come much earlier than last year. The number has been going downhill over the last five years that we have lived here LOCATION: 53.9076,-3.2245 DATE: Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:13:50 GMT

bernard & elizabeth watts Long Bredy West Dorse
2 Toads found in watercan this morning. Suggest other watchers check out their cans,if outside & containing a small amount of water as ours was!1 Comma & 1 Tortoishell butterfly today at Little Bredy LOCATION: 50.8025,-2.4527 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 18:22:20 UTC

Bernard & Elizabeth Watts
5/3/08 Long Bredy West Dorset. 2 Toads found this a.m. inside an empty watering can ,containing about an inch of water. They were released safely but,left any longer ,following rain, would have died !! Suggest listeners check their outside watering cans . Tortoishell & comma butterflies seen this a.m. at Little Bredy. LOCATION: 54.000000,-2.000000 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 15:58:49 UTC LOCATION: 54.000000,-2.000000 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 15:59:05 UTC

Bernard & Elizabeth Watts
5/3/08 Long Bredy West Dorset. 2 Toads found this a.m. inside an empty watering can ,containing about an inch of water. They were released safely but,left any longer ,following rain, would have died !! Suggest listeners check their outside watering cans . Tortoishell & comma butterflies seen this a.m. at Little Bredy. LOCATION: 54.000000,-2.000000 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 15:58:49 UTC

Sarah Rooney
Living in Hong Kong, don't get to see many toads....your site is interesting and recommended by my mother who recently put a posting regarding the arrival and spawning of toads in her garden in Tunbridge Wells. LOCATION: 22.2433,114.1452 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 15:02:44 UTC

Jon Stone
Large numbers of toads crossing and progressing along Church Lane in Shalfleet on the Isle of Wight for the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately there are also quite a few which have been run over. Larger numbers tend to be seen at night and have witnessed up to 30 all on the move in one instance in this location. LOCATION: 51.583302,-2.983300 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 11:23:00 UTC

PAMELA NEAL
We are in Peniel, near Nantglyn, Denbigh, North Wales. Toads have been migrating to our small garden pond in their many hundreds for the last 10 years, since we introduced some toad spawn from a pond on the Denbigh Moors. For 2008, first toads arrived 3 weeks ago, and spawn was paid yesterday. We have currentl around 300 toads, filling the pond as far as we can see at the surface, and they are still arriving - we usually get nearer 800. We also have buzzards around us all the time - a nesting pair in the spinney behind us on an annual basis; woodpecker; nuthatch; nightjar; as well as the standard garden birds. LOCATION: 53.1830,-3.4415 DATE: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 08:35:52 UTC

Robin Lloyd
I saw hundreds of toads on the move at approx. 11 pm on Friday evening, 29th February, crossing various roads in the vicinity of Church Stretton, some even crossing the main A49 road. There was light rain during the evening which obviously prompted the mass movement. Fortunately there was very little traffic around so hopefully most if not all managed the crossing safely. I have never seen such numbers before. LOCATION: 52.5446,-2.7988 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 20:00:24 UTC

David Bond
I have just cleaned out my fish pond, February 28th, and have found a total of 25 frogs, and Toads in it, a total of 4 pairs of toads are in the process of mating, so I anticipate a large amount of Spawn this year!! my fish will have some, but I hope to save most. LOCATION: 51.1363,-0.5054 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 15:55:20 UTC

Helen Hobbs
Approx 200 migrating toads have been recorded so far this year at Charlcombe Lane, Bath. The first sightings at this crossing were on 19 January, with approx 100 toads and 50 frogs crossing last Friday 29 February between 6-8pm. This is a patrolled crossing with over 1000 toads, frogs and newts recorded in 2007 and more than 2000 recorded in 2006. LOCATION: 51.3786,-2.3648 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 15:42:29 UTC

patwinkfield@yahoo.co.uk
I only have one large toad in my garden. Haven't seen him since last autumn, but today he was seen going under the fence to next door - easterly direction.No other wildlife other than garden birds in my garden. LOCATION: 51.5685,0.4477 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 15:40:27 UTC

Chris Norman at BA4 4PQ
Last year we had a minimum of about 60 return to our pond every evening - in all over 1000 in just over a week. I have not got a clue where they are in the summer and entry into our pond is difficult - but our reptile friends have no trouble finding a way in.This year migration has been spasmodic and started Friday 28th, 15 days later than last year. It only happens on warmer wet evenings between about 7.00 and 10.30 LOCATION: 51.516701,-1.783300 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 14:02:19 UTC

P cROMPTON
Heard frogs on the move into the pond next door to us on Saturday evening LOCATION: 51.2344,0.3900 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 13:20:07 UTC

Hermione Read, Chiswick (London)
Toads sighted at the edge of the Great Western Road on 29th feb @ 9pm.Surely no point heading for the river, but there is a massive pond in a garden on Chiswick Mall on the opposite side of this road. LOCATION: 51.4900,-.2462 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:08:49 GMT

Michael Collins
I thought you might be interested, seeing as how I've just heard a report from Germany in your broadcast.Local amphibian group made following observation. Location: see map (almost dead centre of the square formed by Sneek, Groningen, Assen and Hoogeveen in the nothern Dutch province of Friesland.106 dead frogs and toads counted, squashed by passing cars.. 26 common toads ,13 moor frogs (rana arvalis) and 14 common frogs (rana temporaria) carted over the road in buckets. Great programme!Michael Collinsmjcollins@wxs.nl LOCATION: 52.9850,6.1743 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 12:20:17 UTC

Michele Hancock
Our 1st toad arrived in the week of 20th January, 2008 as did the 1st frog. By 3rd February we had 5 toads and 6 frogs. 10 toads on 10th February and the 1st lot of frog spawn laid. The frogs have laid about 12 lots of spawn now. Toads first laid ropes of spawn on 24th February and have continued laying since. Our first newt arrived 17th February and we currently have 8 newts. The newts have started the mating dance. LOCATION: 50.7295,-2.3346 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:45:55 UTC

shasha toptani
i rescued the first toad i have seen this year on sunday morning 2/3/8, i picked if from the center of the road it was sitting on and put it on the edge of my pond....which was the direction it was going, i have not yet seen another. LOCATION: 52.1954,1.2579 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:42:25 GMT

Ben Piper
On the evening of the new moon of Thurs the 7th of feb [ incidentally the chinese new year], I observed a large migration of toads adjacent to the delightfully named 'wiggle farm ' near Millbrook on the Rame peninsula, Cornwall. Driving home late, I saw what appeared to be leaves on the road, I was horrified when I realised that they were in fact toads .I stopped my car got out and moved over a dozen out of the road- unfortunately nearly as many had been killed or injured - I am happy to report, however, that there were several pairs coupling - hopefully contributing to the continuation of the species ! About a month later I saw a smaller migration at the same spot - again, tragically, many had been killed or injured, which made me wonder how one goes about getting recognition of the 'toad crossing' so that warning could be posted, as I've seen elsewhere, I think if people knew they were running over toads not leaves they might go more cautiously ? Regards Ben Piper LOCATION: 50.3420,-4.2242 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:39:09 GMT

michael horn
large toad walking on pavement LOCATION: 53.5142,-2.0654 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:37:30 GMT

Russell Bave
Loads of toads were going from our neighbours across our drive to the ponds in our other neighbours garden on Friday, 29th February 2008. It was between 5pm and 9pm and there were about 20 or so of them. LOCATION: 51.2310,-4.1254 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:37:01 UTC

Michael Cousins O'Neill
The early toad gets to spawn... (Not a siting I'm afraid but no matter, Badger, Rat and Mole will soon have him out of bed) LOCATION: 51.4523,-2.5845 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:35:34 UTC

Elizabeth Temple Wells
Toad spotted in our garden in Blackheath, SE London on Friday around midday. It was definately on the move! LOCATION: 51.5019,-.1160 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:35:08 GMT

Trev
Down here in the far south west corner of Ireland the frogs and toads were on the move late January, my pond already has tadpoles in it. LOCATION: 51.5993,-9.7147 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:34:59 GMT

Kate Brady
We had our patio door open on the unusually warm evening of Sunday 2nd of March 2008. As I walked past I saw a toad sitting on the threshold looking into our living room. We gently eased him out and on his way !Kate BradyFaringdon, Oxfordshire LOCATION: 51.6555,-1.5820 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:33:22 UTC

Freddo Frog
Up to 10 toads spotted around and in our pond every night from dusk since the night of February 22nd. Some pairing, females very pregnant. No spawn yet as at March 3rd. LOCATION: 50.6564,-1.1594 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:32:57 GMT

Ian Nutton
On the evening of Sunday 24th February Wildmoor lane had the biggest migration I had ever seen on one evening. Too many to count but estimate more than 100. LOCATION: 51.3101,-1.0192 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:27:16 GMT

Novanne Craige
I get more and more in my small pond in my garden each year, last year about thirty. this year about three or maybe four arrived about ten days ago and have produced a small amount of spawn. Their croaking seems(to me) to draw in the others but I think the croaking told them to steer clear for a while this time.I cleared the pond of excessive weed - in readiness for the mammouth amount of frogs - during January. The water must be very cold as the pond is not ery deep.The noise and splashing and water spouting and the complete seething turmoil the water becomes is exciting and fascinating. The toads (?) are shy as they go quiet if anyone goes near the pond. I am generally left with an absolutely vast amount of spawn, mostly it takes ages for them to develop. Conditions cannot be perfect for them as I am never inundated with toadlets hopping around.I saw spawn in Dunorlan Park yesterday, some was dark grey and other was brownish. They are near the watching platform by the lake. I hope they can be protected from the ever present heron.Bye LOCATION: 51.0983,0.2554 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:12:50 UTC

Hermione Read, Chiswick (London)
Toad seen in West London on the side of the A4 close to the River Thames on Friday 29th Feb @ 9 pm LOCATION: 51.4814,-.1099 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:20:07 GMT

andrew v
Toads were being squashed on Burnt Oak Road in Sidcup about a week ago trying to get to the Glades lakes LOCATION: 51.500000,-0.116700 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:18:18 UTC

michael
22/2/08 i was at work, it was about 01:00hrs there a solitary toad crossing a busy road so i picked it up and placed it on the verge. i only saw the 1 toad all night LOCATION: 53.2786,-2.8680 DATE: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:18:02 UTC

Sally Walton
We have a pond that is TOAD CENTRAL. We counted 10 at one time on Saturday and I've just taken two photos of toad spawn and two toads - hoqw do I send them? LOCATION: 50.8458,0.5713 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:17:38 GMT

Chris Meechan
We counted at least ten toads that were spawning in a pond at Duffryn gardens, near Cardiff, on Sunday March 2nd.We also saw some frogspawn in two other ponds elsewhere in the grounds. LOCATION: 51.4491,-3.3093 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:14:12 GMT

hermione read
saw toads on the verge of the A4 just by the river Thames in Chiswick on Friday 29th Feb @ 9 pm LOCATION: 51.500000,-3.200000 DATE: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:10:37 GMT

Janet Kreysa
The NABU in Germany organises toad patrols. Neighbours and I help the NABU in Swisttal- Dunstekoven, going out mornings and evenings to collect amphibians that have gathered in buckets sunk in the ground behind the toad fence. We carry them across the road and release them where they can get down to the pond. The programme started up this week after several squashed toads had been found on the road. This morning, with the weather cloudy, wet, and 9°, the total was 11 frogs, very swollen with eggs, and 50 toads , several of them paired. LOCATION: 50.7139,6.9434 DATE: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:49:00 GMT

Bee Green
Has anyone else seen blue toads in the last fortnight? LOCATION: 51.500000,-0.116700 DATE: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:40:06 UTC

Stephen Powles
Do toads and frogs wait on the clear expanse of roads to ease spotting a potential mate? If so, it would sadly cause the death of even more of them than would be the case if they were simply migrating from one side to the other on their way to a pond for breeding. LOCATION: 51.516701,-1.783300 DATE: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:53:55 UTC

Gabriele Rice-Grunert
Clackmannanshire. On way of an evening walk with mild, damp weather on the 21.02.08 we saw three newts in a pond (N56.15733 W3.77321 / NS 89962 97482) and one live female common toad (N56.15635 W3.78049 / NS 89507 97385) crossing a small road down towards the Devon flood plain and it looked like there were a good number of squashed toads on the A91, all between Alva and Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. No Frog Warning signs, frog fences etc. anywhere here that I would know of but I will try to find out more about that. We also saw the for us first frog spawn this spring in a permanent 'puddle' along the river Devon on the 24.02.08. I was for years involved in amphibian protection projects in Germany and would love to do more such work. Was surprised to read below about salamanders in Wales. Is that right, salamanders in GB? Greetings to all and good luck to the toads! LOCATION: 56.1557,-3.7817 DATE: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:42:36 GMT

Nicola Rhind-Tutt
Tisbury, Wiltshire. Approximately 15 toads seen on the road during evening drives home on Saturday and Sunday the 23rd and 24th February. Sadly most had been squashed, even on the quiet roads around home, but I moved all the live ones I came across away from the road. Weather was dry on Saturday and damp and mild on Sunday. LOCATION: 51.0621,-2.0792 DATE: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:27:23 UTC

joanna
I help toads,salamanders and newts cross the road and would like to meet others who do the same . Is there an organisation in this area interested in this type of work ? When I lived in SW Wales 20 yrs ago I helped toads cross the road . Massive no's are killed down here and it was the same story in Wales.I haven't seen any amphibians yet this year on the road , but tree frogs are starting to call in the garden.It has been very dry but rain is forecast and that should get them moving . LOCATION: 43.9295,0.0934 DATE: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:49:49 UTC WOtM team: Froglife are helping people set up Toad Patrols all over the country. If you're interested in getting involved you can find out more, on their website - there is a link on the common toad homepage.

Anne and Lionel
Reporting sightings of toads on the move at Kelling Heath, Norfolk. Grid ref TG100415. Approx 24 toads during daylight hours moving towards fishing lake. One pair seen arriving at lake 5pm. All sightings on 22/2/08. Weather dry, cool and windy. a couple of short showers on the previous day. LOCATION: 52.9308,1.1501 DATE: Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:12:21 UTC

Denise Tarrier
saw a toad yesterday evening crossing the road about 6pm in Wyke Regis weymouth dt4 9xz LOCATION: 53.8639,-1.4996 DATE: Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:53:54 UTC

Lynne John Neath
Our environment group started our third annual Toad Patrol on February 7th. We rescued 15 toads on that night and a few more on consecutive nights but since then the weather has been too dry and cold for the toads to emerge. However, last night, February 21st the conditions were ideal for the toads to start travelling to a large pond in Bryncoch near Neath. We picked up 49 toads, 7 frogs and found 4 toads who unfortunately had been run over by passing traffic. LOCATION: 51.6691,-3.8164 DATE: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:10:46 UTC

Nik Macve
Tonight my milk round has taken me about 1/2 hour longer than normal because I had to keep stopping to move toads off the road. They were on all the lanes from Combe Raleigh through Farway, Uppottery, Luppitt, Hemyock, Blackborough to Cullompton. At my last farm a pair of frogs were copulating on the cattle grid. I also saw lots of toads that had already been run over but every time I moved some off the road I saw more in the grass verges. LOCATION: 50.8175,-3.2078 DATE: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:42:22 UTC

Guy Braga, Evercreech, Somerset.
At 12.15am today (Friday 22 Feb) I found a young toad sitting on our front path about two feet away from the road edge (B3081). He was drowsy but alive and well. It was a dry and mild night. LOCATION: 54.0304,-2.4966 DATE: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:51:29 UTC

Tim Tavender, Southampton
I counted 11 frogs in my garden pond a few eeks ago. They have deposited three huge balls of spawn and have since gone again due to the drop in temperatures. LOCATION: 50.9351,-1.3486 DATE: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:28:55 UTC

Mrs V Williams, Ladock, Truro
I have a toad in my garden pond. Been there for over a week now. He/she usually spends the winter in my garden shed. LOCATION: 50.3051,-4.9603 DATE: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:25:22 UTC

cr reading
I have today (19th Feb) noticed a pair of toads mating in my garden pond LOCATION: 51.4523,-0.9641 DATE: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:33:06 UTC

ssunna jude
I stay with in kampala and the place i stay is near or between 2 wet lands thai is kinawataka and kiraka bweyogere road however, there are many frogs that are killed my running cars, and people since its a wet land and it has now turned into a car washing bar what can we do to protect this frongs and toads because they are migrating because their enviroment is now being enchroched by car washers and as they attempt to cross to the near by vegtation, they are killed by speading cars. LOCATION: 0.315600,32.565601 DATE: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:04:40 UTC

Andrew Town, Clevedon, North Somerset
300 toads have been recorded at this patrol crossing so far this year. First record was 15/1 which is a week or two later than previous years. No activity for past three weeks because of dry cold weather. 18/2/08. LOCATION: 51.4461,-2.8282 DATE: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:32:40 UTC

Deborah Cheney, Walmer, Kent
For the past week around 50 toads and frogs have been breeding in my pond. Already lots of spawn. LOCATION: 51.4591,1.2936 DATE: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:39:46 UTC

Carol Dolling Pucklechurch South Gloucestershire
7th Feb male and female frog on path, is this early. LOCATION: 51.4848,-2.4225 DATE: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:45:56 UTC