Slow down, patrol the road and save the Toad

West Cumbria Rivers Trust calls out for drivers to slow down for toads & volunteers to help patrol the roads.

West Cumbria Rivers Trust is asking drivers on the A591 just north and south of Keswick to slow down as the annual frog, toad and newt migration across the roads gets underway.

Every year, amphibians move from winter hibernation spots to their ancestral breeding ponds and lakes. Their routes may have been used for generations and some are lucky and have a straight forward journey, but others risk their lives crossing busy roads. They only move when the weather is just right, waiting for nights with mild and wet conditions. When that happens, they move en-masse, and it is estimated that 20 tonnes of frogs and toads are killed on the roads each year.

Two of these crossing points are on the A591 outside Keswick. The first is near Dodd Wood to the north. The second is near Low Nest Farm, at the top of the hill leaving Keswick to head south towards Grasmere, where volunteers will be patrolling the roads to keep the crossing creatures safe.

You might be forgiven for thinking that going out in high-vis jackets with torches on a dark and wet night might not be fun, but it’s extraordinarily satisfying work knowing you’re giving nature and native species a helping hand. Volunteers will walk up and down a short stretch of road in pairs for up to two hours looking for any amphibians in need of a free ride. They’re placed into a bucket with gloves and released into the pond to find a loved one.

For those that don’t live in Keswick, the team are also keen to hear from people who can help organise these sorts of events in their local area too.

Jodie Mills, WCRT’s Director, said:

“So many animals are being lost at these crossing points every year. We started Toad Patrol due to the numerous bodies we were seeing on our roads as these creatures make necessary journeys to complete their lifecycle. We’d like to ask everyone to be aware of the migration, slow down during this time and watch our for our Toad Patrollers on the road. If anyone would like to come and lend a hand, please get in touch.”

To sign up or find out more visit our Toad Patrol page or email Mia with any questions.