Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol calls for more volunteers to help toads on way to Blashford Lakes

MORE volunteers are needed to hop to it and patrol a Forest road to help protect toads during breeding season.

While toad populations decline throughout the UK, they are at even greater risk at this time of year when they start to migrate across highways to lay their eggs near water.

Volunteers for the Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol go out in the evenings to save amphibian lives by helping them to cross the roads safely – and organisers say they urgently need more help.

“Loss of habitat and changing weather patterns are affecting toad populations badly,” said Nicola Yorke, who runs the patrol.

“But the particular route we look after on the edge of Ringwood next to Blashford Lakes can be especially dangerous for them as 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.”

She continued: “That’s why we’re looking for more willing volunteers who can spare a couple of hours one evening every week from mid January through to the end of March.

“We’d also be really grateful if drivers slowed down, remained patient and kept an eye out for the toads. It would make an enormous difference and many more precious lives would be saved.”

Registered with the wildlife charity Froglife, which coordinates toad patrolling throughout the UK, the Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol has been going for 36 years.

Volunteers take turns to 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.

The patrol route runs from the North Poulner crossroads up to the Moyles Court ford below Rockford Common.

At the start of the breeding season, around mid January, male and female toads crawl down from the wooded hills above Blashford Lakes to find a mate and breed. By early spring after their eggs are laid, they make the return journey, once again facing the dangers of the busy road.

“Toads are choosy,” said Nicola. “They only move when it’s warm enough – 5C and above. They love wet nights but they’ll also cross when it’s not raining, particularly early in the season when they’re keen to get down to the water. And with toad numbers falling, we need to carry on helping them to stay safe – which is why we need more volunteers to join our friendly, inclusive group.”

Those interested in helping should email rptoadpatrol1@gmail.com