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Quick answer
Frogs and toads have little legal protection, though toads, as a
Biodiversity Action Plan priority species,
should be protected from adverse affects of development.
Further
information
All of the UK's rare amphibians and reptiles (natterjack toad,
pool frog, smooth snakes and sand lizard), as well as great
crested newts, are protected by law from intentional killing and
injury; their habitats (ponds and terrestrial habitats) are also
protected. Unfortunately the other widespread, more common
species, are only protected against trade/sale.
In 2007, the UK Biodiversity Action Partnership (UKBAP) listed
the common toad as a species of conservation concern. In England
this means that (under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and
Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006) all public bodies must have
regard for common toads (specifically under 'biodiversity
conservation') when carrying our their functions. In Wales,
Section 40(1) of the NERC Act 2006 places a new duty on every
public authority, in exercising its functions, to 'have regard,
so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those
functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity'. The duty
affects all public authorities and a wide range of public
bodies, including fire, police, health and transport
authorities.
In addition, Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9) states that
planning authorities should ensure that species of principal
importance, including the common toad, are protected from the
adverse effects of development.
If you suspect any laws are being broken please contact your
local Wildlife Crime Officer or a relevant advisory body. For
support against potentially harmful planning applications try
contacting your local
Amphibian and Reptile Group.
Native amphibians.
Biodiversity Duty (England).
Biodiversity Duty (Wales).
Natural England.
Countryside Council for Wales.
Scottish Natural Heritage.
Partnership for Action Against
Wildlife Crime (PAW).
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