Volunteers help toads cross roads
A council has teamed up with volunteers to help toads beat the traffic and travel to ‘the toad capital of Hampshire’
East Hampshire District Council have helped set up a ‘toad patrol’ – helping the amorous amphibians migrate to a pond in Newton Valence to find a mate.
Toads normally hop the perilous journey up Hullam lane, but with traffic posing a pressing threat, volunteers collect the toads in buckets before carrying them safely to the water’s edge.
East Hampshire District Councillor Diana Tennyson said: ‘The patrollers bravely venture forth on cold, rainy evenings, with torches and buckets to rescue frogs and toads and prevent them from being victims of roadkill.
‘This area is now referred to as the toad capital of Hampshire due to large numbers of frogs and toads.’
Cllr Charles Louisson contributed £1,000 to the volunteers who are part of The Froglife Trust, a national charity.
‘It’s fantastic to see what these volunteers are doing. To see them come out in all weathers to help these animals reach the pond is really heart-warming,’ he said.
‘We share our environment with all creatures and they are fighting a losing battle against mankind – we need to give them support to survive. Well done to all the volunteers.’
Sue Binder, who runs the toad patrol with her husband Alan, said: ‘Most of the villagers are quite happy to see the road closed for the benefit of the toads.
‘It only means a short detour for us and if it keeps the toads and the volunteers safe then it is all worth it.
‘Thank you very much to East Hampshire District Council for the support they have given us and the grant money we have received.’