A group set up to ensure the local toad population is kept safe when toads return to their natal ponds is holding an information meeting.

Smallwood Toad Patrols, launched over four years ago, is an information drop-in on Monday (January 15th) in Lawton Heath End.

Former Alsager town councillor Jane Smith co-ordinates the group which has branches in Church Lawton, Smallwood and Middlewich.

The patrols operate on certain nights in March and April, including on busy Cherry Lane in Church Lawton.

Signs urging drivers to drive carefully during the toad mating season. (Photo: Nub News)

Toad patrol co-ordinator Jane Smith: "Every Spring, toads make perilous journeys of up to five miles to return to their ancestral spawning ponds for mating, facing challenges including predators, roads and grids on the way.

"Toads follow ancient routes, regardless of whether humans have built roads or housing estates over them, so thousands are sadly run over each year trying to get to the ponds.

"Locally, volunteer toad patrols operate at busy toad crossing points, with volunteers carrying the amorous amphibians safely over roads, as well as making sure grids in the vicinity are 'toad-friendly' for the duration of the crossings.

"This is evening work, and very weather dependent, as toads prefer to travel on mild but wet nights. Volunteers in Hi-Viz vests with torches and buckets are on hand to help the amorous amphibians cross safely.

"People not wanting to touch the toads can act as 'spotters' instead."

Alsager Nub News has featured the work of the group many times, including here where we reported their longest season in 2022.

On Monday (January 15th) from 7pm to 8pm, patrollers will be at The Horseshoe Inn in Church Lawton to answer any questions people have about local toads and how to help them.

There will also be information sheets to take away about making bog gardens, hibernacula, ponds and toad abodes in gardens.

The 180-plus monitored toad crossings across the UK, including the Cherry Lane site which was the very first patrol in the area, are registered with the national charity Froglife and the Department of Transport.

Jane added: "We know lots of people have them in their gardens and don't know how they can best help them.

"We're also expecting a toad population boom this Spring so we're very keen to have as many patrollers as possible on the really busy Cherry Lane site, which means volunteering just a couple of hours one or more evenings a week during the crossing season in March and April.

"This is really rewarding work with beautiful native amphibians who need all the help they can get – common toads have declined by a staggering 68% over the past three decades alone, due to loss of habitat and road building across their ancient migratory routes."

Last year some 115,177 common toads were actively assisted by registered toad patrollers nationwide, with Cherry Lane patrollers moving significantly more than the national average.

Anyone is welcome to attend Monday's meeting. 

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