Common Toads are very particular about where they breed and often migrate back to their ancestral breeding ponds each year. They follow the same route, regardless of what gets in their way, which sometimes leads to them crossing roads. We get a toad vs. traffic scenario and the toads inevitably come off worse.
The Toads on Roads project registers these sites as ‘migratory crossings’ and helps coordinate local Toad Patrols. Patrols can apply to their local council for road warning signs to be installed and actively help the toads across the road. The Toads on Roads project has been running for over twenty years and we know of numerous crossings nationwide.
Although you can volunteer as much or as little as you like, patrol managers do expect commitment and enthusiasm. Toad patrolling is not a one-off event. Migration can run from as early as January to as late as April and will include going out in the evenings in wet conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: ***When you contact an existing toad patrol through the website, your email will go directly to the patrol. It may be that sometimes patrollers are unable to respond to emails and Froglife has no control over this***
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
How to become a Toad Patroller
Find your nearest toad crossing
Advice for planners & engineers
Support Toads on Roads: Tuppence a Toad
This project currently receives limited funding. If you would like to help support this important work, you can do so by donating to our Tuppence a Toad Appeal or by sponsoring this project.
