Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol receives award from Ringwood Town Council

A top community award has been given to a group which which helps toads to safety during the breeding season.

Presented by Ringwood Town Council, it recognises the importance of the local toad population and the efforts of Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol to help them survive as they seek water to lay their eggs in.

Cllr Rae Frederick handed over the award to Nicola Yorke, manager of the patrol, and to Teresa Baker who first set it up in 1989.

Nicola said: “We’re incredibly proud that our efforts have been recognised in this way by the town council.

“Loss of habitat and changing weather patterns are affecting amphibian populations badly but the particular route we look after can be especially dangerous for toads, newts and frogs where they risk being killed under the wheels of cars and vans.

“So it’s more important than ever that we do all we can to help them, and we hope that this community award from the council will help to increase local understanding and support still further.”

Cllr Frederick said: “I have been lucky to see first-hand the wonderful work the toad patrol volunteers do, helping toads safely reach the lakes.

“It’s a touching reminder of the care and commitment people in this town show – not just to each other, but to our local wildlife and the environment too.”

Populations of common toads are declining across the UK as they face danger while crawling across busy roads in the breeding season.

Volunteers from the toad patrol drive slowly along the road from dusk until 11pm, stopping to pick up toads and carry them across the road so they can safely continue their journey down to the water’s edge.

Those interested in volunteering should email rptoadpatrol1@gmail.com