Toad Angels hop back into action on the Northumberland coast
Volunteers helping to save toads from traffic near Seahouses say this year’s migration season has got off to a busy start.
And they are appealing to drivers to join their rescue efforts by watching out for toads in the road.
Now in its third year, the Seahouses Toads on Roads Group, known locally as the ‘Toad Angels’, has begun its nightly patrols along the B1340 between Seahouses and Bamburgh as warmer spring temperatures trigger the annual amphibian migration.
Each year common toads travel back to their ancestral breeding ponds – sometimes up to a kilometre away.
The group was founded by Claire Watson-Armstrong of Bamburgh Castle as part of the national Toads on Roads campaign run by wildlife charity Froglife.
Claire said the first warm evenings of the year have already brought significant numbers of toads onto the road.
“Migration has already begun and our volunteers have been busy helping toads safely cross. So far our volunteers have lifted over 1,100 toads, frogs and newts which is an outstanding effort.
“Without help many toads would be killed by traffic as they slowly cross the road trying to reach their breeding ponds.”
Claire also credits motorists for their support in helping to reduce the numbers of toads being killed.
“When we first started our patrols, most people weren’t aware there were even toads on the road. Now we see vehicles passing through the stretch more slowly and avoiding the toads in the road – or stopping to tell volunteers where they’ve spotted toads. People in the community have really embraced what we do and want to do their bit to help save the toads.”
Volunteers patrol the B1340 near Monks House nightly from February until April, moving toads, frogs and newts from the road to safety. Last year the group helped more than 800 toads safely cross.
Local resident Susannah Aynsley said: “I absolutely love toads – it's nice to be nice and give nature a helping hand. Toads are declining and that's really sad to see. I am more than happy to give up my time to help them.”
The Monks House site is officially recognised as part of the national Toads on Roads programme coordinated by Froglife and supported by Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK.