User comments

Natalie Carlile
Re the Commomn Toad. Having seen your map on sitings-would just like to confirm that there are plenty of toads in south Brittany in the Morbihan area about 3 km from Locmine. Not only were thye in the garden but also in the houes (unrenovated section). Other people confrimed that toads are a common siting in this area. LOCATION: 25.286699,51.533298 DATE: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 09:45:10 UTC

Susan
Found a hibernating toad in our greenhouse yesterday, in amongst some dropped hay for the rabbit. Anything we can do to help it over the winter? LOCATION: 55.5690,-4.6280 DATE: Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:22:34 UTC WOtM team: Not a lot really - just make sure it can get back to its hibernating spot safely.

Maggie and Peggy Popovic
We have a whole lovely family of toads living in the small damp 'area' outside our kitchen window, in Hastings Old Town.They seem to live in the damp shed under the pavement there - now called 'Toad Hall' - but they come out into the area to feed. We have seen about 8 of them in different sizes and colours. One is a really big, there's a medium, then a smaller medium - and lots of little babies. Sadly, today we found the smaller medium and a baby had drowned in the drain where the kitchen water waste pipe comes out. We have now put a fine mesh cage around this, so it shouldn't happen again.If I find slugs in the kitchen - they come out at night for the cat's food - I put them out for the slugs.We absolutely love them but i can't imagine how they managed to breed there. The only water we know of is the deadly downspout. LOCATION: 50.7782,0.5273 DATE: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:02:56 UTC

Joan Holland
We have seen toads in our garden, although we do not have a pond at present we are planning to put one in, how do we make the garden frog/toad friendly both before and after we install the pond i.e. cover in particular LOCATION: 53.549999,-2.116700 DATE: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 13:18:55 UTC

Pippa
We had a toad in the garden on the patio last night for the first time! It must of been about the size of a male adult fist! We took a few piccies and left it be! The next morning I went outside and there was jelly on the patio and it was not there before! Was it from the toad? The toad is now long gone but I'm puzzled! Help anyone? LOCATION: 51.450001,-2.583300 DATE: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:17:08 GMT

Geoff Duncombe
For the past couple of weeks i have observed a small black toad in my greenhouse. I think it is unusual because it has made its home in a flower pot and during the day it burrows down below the compost, leaving only its eyes and nose showing.I would be interested to hear if this is a common toad and whether this behaviour is normal. LOCATION: 52.7529,0.4037 DATE: Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:31:32 UTC

Gabriele Rice-Grunert
21.04.08, Scotland - I read the sighting post by Dave Fincham, who reported over 4,400 toads on 7 April in an endangered habitat in the SE. Is there anything that can be done for this valuable area??? Especially considering how many people reported just single animal sightings this spring? We are currently fighting for a little (5x20m) pond with was recently naturally colonized by common frogs for spawning and which got dried out by local fishermen, who want to use the stream that feeds the pond for trout breeding exclusively. We rescued lots of spawn, which now sits in buckets in our garden. We still fight for the chance to bring the tadpoles back. LOCATION: 56.1563,-3.7189 DATE: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:01:30 GMT WOtM team: Get in touch with froglife - they are an organisation that has been set up to help protect Toads: www.froglife.org

Nicholas Preace
Two toads in the garden this morning in an "embrace" though no water round these parts. Still there when returning home tonight. LOCATION: 51.4283,-0.3845 DATE: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:34:15 UTC

Andrew Smith
We have a well established garden pond (medium size) and always have frogspawn and loads of froglets. A week or so ago there were three clumps of frogspawn; one became white last week and the other two clumps are now the same. I did notice some white bits in one 'healthy' clump two nights ago but now thats ;cloudy/ It looks like it is disintegrating - its like sloppy jelly. Is there anything we can do? Are the tadpoles dead? Pease advise LOCATION: 51.6334,0.2087 DATE: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 19:07:31 UTC WOtM team: White spawn is generally not good - it usually indicates that the spawn hasn't been fertilised or have died off from the cold. In rare occasions, a coloured pigment is missing. We would suggest leaving it and if nothing happens then it is probably dead and should decompose naturally.

Howard Barrell
Thanks. I have been thrilled to discover what is clearly common toad spawn in my pond in Llanbradach, Mid-Glamorgan.. It has been there for about two weeks now and the eggs are changing colour from black to white/silver. Is this a prelude to hatching? Or is there something wrong with the spawn? I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Howard Barrell. LOCATION: 52.383301,-2.250000 DATE: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:59:44 UTC WOtM team: I'm afraid to say, this doesn't sound too good: toad spawn that turns white indicates that the weather is simply too cold and they are dying off.

Julia Hertl
Hi,I'm enjoying your program very much, which I listen to via the Internet, as I live in upstate New York, USA. Toads and frogs are my favourite animals. Here in New York State, it is still much too cold for them to be out and about (it's only a bit above freezing, and well below freezing at night, and the snow has only recently melted). However, I was in England last week for a few days, and I saw some frogs (one was light brown with black spots, and about 5cm long; I could only see the heads of 2 other frogs above the water) and some frog spawn in my aunt and uncle's pond in Duxford, Cambs (this was on 14 March (a nice warm day of 15C), and I also saw them on each day until the 19th, when I left). I also saw some frog spawn in a pond behind a pub in Sawston, Cambs on the 15th. I don't know if this information is useful to you, or if it is even out-of-date by now, but it also gave me the chance to tell you how much I'm enjoying 'World on the Move'!Thank you,Julia Hertl LOCATION: 42.448502,-76.480400 DATE: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:19:37 UTC

Philgreg
in Matlock bath Park yesterday , took my daaughteer looking for Tadpoles, which are normall plentiful. Saw about 8 has the cold weather killed them off? LOCATION: 53.1303,-1.5463 DATE: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:28:33 GMT WOtM team: Unfortunately, yes it seems that cold weather has killed off quite a few individuals.

Rachel Bell
4 frogs (i think they are frogs not toads) mating in our garden- we don't have a pond or anything but maybe there was one here before - its our first year here. I want to finish mowing the lawn but i'm worried there are more!! What can i do? Also my dog seems quite keen on eating them... LOCATION: 54.9098,-1.3815 DATE: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:27:15 UTC

carla galinsky
I have a typically city garden, long and narrow surrounded with walls.I have created a little stream and a small pond.There are plenty of slugs and snails in this area, infact to many.Some one asked me if I could take her frogs and toads from her garden as she doesnt like them at all.I would love to take them but I have a cat and a friendly dog and am not sure if that would be oke.Could you advice me on this? LOCATION: 55.9523,-3.1641 DATE: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:23:04 UTC WOtM team: Thanks very much for your query...it raises some interesting points. Conservationists are currently urging caution over moving amphibians too far because of the risk of importing invasive plants and amphibian disease that way. At the moment, our frogs and toads are at risk from a number of diseases which are often fatal and can wipe out entire populations. The other point to make is that toads normally spawn in much larger ponds than frogs , and so if you're transporting toads to a built-up area in which there are no large spawning ponds or there are lots of roads to cross, this effectively stops them breeding and over tim ethey will become extinct. For frogs, there is no problem as they'll breed in the smallest ponds., though fish will eat the spawn. Some cats regularly catch frogs, but tend not to eat them;. the frogs in my garden pond have regular trips to my neighbours' kitchen, courtesy of next-door's cats, but are returned unscathed, if rather confused, to the pond! Cats and dogs avoid toads, because toads have a pair of poison glands behind the head which exude an unpleasant toxin if they are picked up in an animal's mouth. A case of once bitten, twice shy. Your garden sounds ideal habitat for frogs , though the best solution would be to persuade your friend to hang on to her frogs and toads, as nature abhors a vacuum, and if you move one lot, they will soon by replaced by others .Frogs in particular are very mobile and will recolonise very quickly. It goes without saying that they're also excellent natural pest controls..I cherish my the ones in my garden! Brett

Wendy Saville
Last year I found three young toads in my garden and over the summer occasionally saw one or other of them. They were managing to survive inspite of my 5 cats ...!! At the end of January 08, I went to move a chimney pot I use as a pot stand in my garden and when I lifted off the pot, found a toad, alive and apparently well and awake inside the chimney pot, on the bare mud. There were lots of woodlice falling into the pot, which I assume s/he may be eating. In view of the cold weather, I replaced the pot and left well alone. I have checked the chimney pot several times since and the toad is still there, alive and awake. I decided not to move the pot or let the toad out because of the cats and the ongoing frosts. However, if there is anything else I could/should be doing, I'd be glad to hear from you!I live in E17 and have a small surburban garden (organic) Thanks! Wendy S LOCATION: 51.4318,-1.1865 DATE: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 10:11:12 UTC

maureen pearsonnto
toads mating on lawn by our pond 29 feb LOCATION: 54.000000,-2.000000 DATE: Sat, 1 Mar 2008 12:33:45 UTC

Bella
We found a toad hibernating in a pile of leaves in our garden. LOCATION: 53.1352,-3.1421 DATE: Sat, 1 Mar 2008 09:41:25 UTC

Ruth O'Hare
Toad spawn spotted today (28 Feb) so at least some of the local toads have obviously been busy. Godalming, Surrey. LOCATION: 51.1923,-0.6194 DATE: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:37:51 GMT

Michael Groves
Only one toad on the Walton Road in East Molesey, but definatley going places. Hopefully back to my garden pond. LOCATION: 51.4027,-0.3696 DATE: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:24:02 UTC

Melanie Warren
We had a toad on the patio one evening at the beginning of Feb who seemed totally disorientated and hopped off down the garden, but 2 dogs barking at it probably didnt help. Last night (25th) a smaller one was also hopping around on the patio. We have a raised brick pond about 2'6" so didnt know whether to sit him on the side of it, or just leave him to go his own way. What should we have done. LOCATION: 51.4095,0.1730 DATE: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:11:25 UTC

Deborah Cheney
I have around 40 toads in my garden pond. They have been mating for over a week.Walmer, Kent LOCATION: 51.6334,0.8267 DATE: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:07:29 UTC

Mark Hone
One Common Toad was spotted on the steps in my back garden in Greenmount in Bury, Lancashire at 16-45 on Thursday 21st February. My wife and I were worried that it had been injured as it sat very still as we approached but eventually it moved. It was facing East when last seen. LOCATION: 53.6265,-2.3409 DATE: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:30:57 UTC

Aimee & Bekah
Unfortunatly we saw yeaterday a squashed toad in the road. Its leg has been amputated and was a futher 9.72 yards down the road. We were wondering, can toad legs grow back? LOCATION: 51.6623,-0.3928 DATE: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:34:52 UTC

allimac
nearly trod on a toad in the passage behind my garden last week.At least I think so - what is the difference between a toad and a frog? Because it was definitely one or the other. Lumbering across the track. quite chunky, but only the size of a rather small fist. LOCATION: 50.833302,-0.150000 DATE: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:32:28 GMT WOtM team: The main difference between frogs and toads is that frogs have slimy skin but toads are brown-green in colour and have dry warty skin. They also have small fiery golden eyes whereas frogs have eyes that appear to be bulging out of their head

James, London
Already dropping into ponds in Kingston LOCATION: 51.4437,-0.1785 DATE: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:45:20 UTC

Claude Portland
I have a toad living in my shed and seams to be very happy there, poping out at night and squizing under the wooden door during day time to hide in one of the shady corner of the shade.Do I need to do anything to mak his stay more confortable or should I let it be? LOCATION: 50.5396,-2.4417 DATE: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:49:18 GMT

Zoe Sulem
Toad spotted near fence in back garden. LOCATION: 51.5087,0.9229 DATE: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:39:03 GMT

Marion, Nr. Pwllheli,Gwynedd
Sadly saw a squashed toad on a road near here yesterday 17th Feb.. It was very unlucky as it is a no through road with very little traffic. We have either toad spawn or frogspawn in our pond but wonder if the frosty nights will have damaged it. LOCATION: 52.9238,-4.4357 DATE: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:01:20 UTC

Gilly Argyle, Bath
I found a toad in my bath this morning and have been perplexed since. How did it manage to come up through the plug hole, which is grilled? And if it didn't, where did it come from?Is this a common occurrence? LOCATION: 51.3409,-0.4999 DATE: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:13:14 GMT WOtM team: Wow, this must be unheard of! Did he jump through the window maybe? Has anyone else found a toad in an unusual place?

John, Tonbridge
Our pond hasn't had any frogs or toads yet this year LOCATION: 51.1880,0.2637 DATE: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:35:14 UTC

Susannah Nettleton, Hampton Hill, TW12
Found a toad in leaves under garden hedge on Sunday 10 Feb LOCATION: 51.4283,-0.4147

Ben james
I love frogs LOCATION: 51.5440,-0.0649

pendragon nr.padstow .cornwall
toads calling in garden.seems early. LOCATION: 50.5396,-4.9548

Colin Lines
Where do the toads go to once they leave the breeding pond? LOCATION: 51.1793,-4.2188

Steve Rogerson Lydney
Toads in our pond, also no spawn yet. LOCATION: 51.6987,-2.6216

Fay Robinson, Bournemouth
There are toads in my small pond, they are calling to each other but no spawn as yet! LOCATION: 52.4828,-1.4063

Bryan Bates Cheltenham
We have a small pond and today we noticed toads in it for the first time this year, no spawn yet! LOCATION: 53.7487,0.0000

CORBY England NN18
Moving some old logs on Sunday 10th Feb found three large Toads, one, more yellowly, appearing to be excessively fat. I assumed that this was a female. The other two were a dark ivy colour. I replaced the logs! LOCATION: 50.7365,0.7031

Isobel Oulton
We saw a pair of toads on sat 9th at about 8pm in Par, Cornwall LOCATION: 49.6107,-4.9219

Peter Salmon, Halesworth
I was working in a gardern in Norwich and saw a toad making it's way along the bottom of a wall and i also saw about 4-5 frogs, this happened 26th jan. LOCATION: 54.5721,-6.3281

Richard Christopher
Quite a few toads in my garden in liverpool, but no spawning yet. 11th feb LOCATION: 51.6180,-4.9219

John Godden
Toads were spotted in my ponds on 8th February - their normal arrival date is 28th February! Question - in my smallest pond which is only 2 metres x 1 metre and about half a metre deep I have noticed all winter a small number of Tadpoles - large bodies and tails - but no legs as yet. They have obviously over-wintered from last summer. The froglets that did move out in summer were very, very small - much smaller than usual. I put all the spawn from my other two ponds into this small one as fish (in large pond) and Newts (in middle pond - sound like goldilocks!) all eat the spawn and the tadpoles! Could I be 'overstocking' this small pond and do tadpoles normally stay over winter? LOCATION: 51.1793,-2.1094 WOtM team: Trevor Beebee, in his work Frogs and Toads, describes a Peter Pan syndrome called "neoteny" where tadpoles grow and grow but never become froglets. It's believed that this is induced by cold ponds. Overstocking can indeed be a problem as it compounds the effects of extreme conditions.

Brian Dawtrey, Lymington
Toads are mating and croaking in the pond at East End Nr Lymington in New Forest. 7th February. LOCATION: 74.0195,-16.1719

Helena Fickling Moreton Thame
on Friday 8 Feb we saw a small brown toad in the veg patch, we may have disturbed it, but it would not have far to go to find a pond or ditch in Moreton LOCATION: 51.6180,-1.4063

Neil Duffin between Chester and Shrewsbvury
LOCATION: 53.0007,-2.8334 Toads mating in my pond. LOCATION: No location

Cara, Angus
Last Friday, 8th Feb, I saw 3 toads crossing the road outside the house. I think this is the earliest I've ever seen them here. LOCATION: 58.4477,-0.7031

Peter Biggs of Poole
The frogs sporned in my pond on Wed 30th Jan 2008 and have continued to be active. LOCATION: 52.9089,-2.1094

Olivia, Halifax
toad seen on foot path, early Sunday morning, 10th February 2008 LOCATION: 53.2453,-4.5902

jean-luc, Chelmsford
Any tips about spotting a toad from a frog? LOCATION: 56.5595,0.7031 WOtM team: Thanks for the question Jean-Luc. In contrast to frogs, toads are brown-green in colour and have dry warty skin. They also have small fiery golden eyes whereas frogs have eyes that appear to be bulging out of their head.

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