Darkness falls as quiet greetings are exchanged between people carrying strange objects and flashing torches along the ground. Is this a new secret society in the Strettons? It is indeed a kind of society with a great sense of shared purpose but it’s not secret; its open to all. This group is the Toad Patrollers who meet at dusk with just one aim – to save amphibians from passing traffic as they cross the roads in All Stretton.
The damp areas and large pool that draw them for breeding in the early spring are mostly adjacent to Starr Lane and Shrewsbury Road in All Stretton and their journeys call them from all directions, generally always involving crossing the roads and clambering up kerbs. On busy roads this spells frequent disaster. Julie Cowley was so concerned about the numbers being killed that she set up toad patrol last year.
Toad Patrols generally just cover the early part of the evening; from 6 to 7.30 as this is the busiest time both for cars and for toads. The patrols are only needed for a few weeks to ensure the majority of amphibians are safe.
The volunteer numbers continue to grow, including family groups. The toads, frogs and newts are easy to catch with the aid of a torch, high-viz, a bucket and gardening gloves. Warning signs are placed to advise car drivers to slow down. Many drivers are appreciative of the activity and have been known to stop their cars and hand over saved toads and frogs to the volunteers. Once collected creatures are identified, sexed and counted, they are placed over the road into the safety of the fields that draw them. It is surprising to note how quickly a cleared section of road will suddenly have more toads and frogs if the checking is not regular.
Substantial declines in the common toad mean the species is deemed ‘Near Threatened’ in the UK. This makes the numbers rescued in All Stretton highly significant. Last year over 900 toads, 73 frogs and 101 newts were rescued. This year’s numbers will exceed these with around 950 toads, 180 frogs and 35 newts thus far and still a few weeks to go. How heartening to still have good numbers breeding in the Strettons and to see such a practical piece of conservation. Thanks to all involved. If you’d like to join in next year, please email: Julie Cowley
Photo Credits Julie Cowley
