Helping hand for breeding amphibians crossing road

Hundreds of frogs and toads on their breeding journey were rescued from a busy road by volunteers.

West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT) said 18 volunteers gave 53 toads and 339 frogs a helping hand over the A591 at Nest Brow near Keswick in the Lake District to safely reach their breeding waters.

However, the trust said 91 fatalities were recorded at the site and common toad populations continued to decline.

Toad patrol co-ordinator, Georgia Joyce, said it "certainly was not a glamorous event going out in the wet, cold and dark" but there was "something genuinely satisfying about helping these amazing creatures safely on their journey".

The amphibians follow the same route every year in spring but their journeys can be dangerous if they have to get across busy roads.

Volunteers wore hi-vis jackets, armed with torches and buckets collecting the amphibians from the road over 11 nights.

Joyce, 25, said it had been a "fantastic experience" with the "camaraderie in the team being amazing".

"I'm inspired and humbled that people are so generous to still freely give up their time to help out," she said.

"We're really keen to welcome more volunteers for next year, as there is always more support needed," Joyce added.

WCRT said "every animal safely guided across the road makes a difference to local populations".

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