What is Toad Patrol and Why Should You Join?

As you’ll know, me and my family are passionate about conservation and one way we help out locally is by volunteering at a Toad Patrol. I know it sounds funny at first but honestly, this is such an important organisation and it’s something we absolutely love joining in with each year. Because of this, I thought I would give you a little more information on what it is and what it entails so that perhaps, by the end of this blog, you may be inspired to help out too…

What Exactly is Toad Patrol?

Toad Patrol is all about helping out the UK’s common toad, during their annual migration. Every year, between around February and March/April, toads head to their breeding ponds with their natural instincts telling them to go to where they were spawned themselves. The problem with this is the fact that over time, humans have built new homes and buildings which has increased traffic and of course, toads (and other amphibians) aren’t aware of these factors. Due to this thousands are killed by cars during their migration every year, but, thanks to the Toads on Roads project run by Froglife, volunteers like us can step in to help them get across safely.

We’re part of a group of dedicated volunteers who go out at dusk during this migratory period to spot the toads (and also frogs and newts) as they attempt to cross, scoop them up, record their numbers and carry them to safety.

Why Should You Get Involved?

Firstly, toads really need our help. Due to habitat loss, pollution and road traffic, their numbers have been declining for years. Froglife estimates that 20 tonnes of toads are killed annually on UK roads! Without toad patrol volunteers stepping in, that number would only increase.

But there’s also a personal reason for doing it, it’s really rewarding. Being able to take some time to do our bit for wildlife, to make a difference and have a positive impact on this species’ survival rate really does make you feel very proud. Oh, and it’s also good fun. You get to meet other like-minded people in your local area who are just as passionate about wildlife as you are.

What’s It Like Being on Patrol?

Road Safety

Our patrol takes place on a road that has become increasingly busier over the years so we have to be really vigilant during our time there. We place up signs warning drivers there are pedestrians on the road, we wear hi-vis jackets, and we take brightly coloured/white buckets and good torches in order to be clearly seen. Volunteers space themselves out as they walk up and down the road in order to spot and rescue more toads and to also help slow traffic (once they realise there are more people, most drivers tend to become more considerate – there are always a few exceptions though). You definitely need to be cautious, sometimes it feels a bit like a balancing act between keeping an eye on the road and scanning for toads but after a couple of patrols, you get into a rhythm and your confidence builds.

As mentioned, I have taken the children along with me but unfortunately, some Toad Patrols now don’t allow them due to safety reasons and this year, I had to go it alone for most of the season as the road just became a rat run.

Spotting Toads

Most of the time, the toads are fairly easy to spot, especially when you have a powerful torch, the trickier bit is spotting them in time. Even though toads walk and don’t jump they seem to appear just as you’ve wandered by which is why it’s essential to have plenty of volunteers keeping their eyes peeled. When we see one, we carefully pick it up and pop it into the bucket.

Once their movement begins to quieten down on the road, all amphibians are handed over to the toad patrol leader who will collate their numbers for research and conservation reasons, which is fed back to Froglife. The toads can then be safely released at their breeding ground.

How Can You Get Involved?

If this sounds like something you’d like to try (and I highly recommend it), it’s really easy to get involved. Here’s how:

1. Check the Toad Map: Froglife has a handy map on their website called the Toad Patrol Map that shows all the registered patrol sites across the UK. Have a look to see if there’s one near you.
2. Register as a Volunteer: Once you’ve found a local patrol, you can sign up as a volunteer through the Froglife website. You’ll be put in touch with the local coordinator who will be able to give you all the information you need.
3. Get Kitted Out: Having the right gear is important. You’ll need hi-vis jackets, torches, and a bucket to transport the toads. Sturdy shoes and warm clothing are also essential as you’ll be out in the evenings when it can get chilly. A waterproof jacket is essential as those toads love to cross in wetter weather.
4. Hit the Road!: Once you’ve joined your local patrol, you’ll probably be added to a WhatsApp or Facebook group so you can be kept in the loop and you may be assigned to specific evenings during the migration season. It’s a flexible commitment, you definitely don’t have to go every night, but the more people on patrol, the better the chances of helping as many toads as possible.

So if you’ve got a bit of free time, love being outdoors and want to make a real difference for wildlife, I would highly recommend giving Toad Patrol a go. Trust me, once you’ve done it, you’ll want to make it an annual tradition.

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