With the arrival of ‘warmer’ weather, the toads of Compton have started their annual journey to the Mill Pond. Toads always return to their birthplace to breed, so having lived under hedges and in other damp village spots throughout the year, they’ve started making their trek back to the pond.
Toads walk, rather than hop and migrate when it’s dark – to help keep them safe. Unfortunately, as their destination borders two roads, many lose their lives to cars, so a trusty band of volunteers from the village will be setting out every night for the next month or so, to scoop up toads from the roads and carry them to the safety of the water. We count the toads and frogs – adding numbers to a national database, which monitors amphibians in the UK.
Volunteers will be in high vis, with torches and buckets, so are easy to spot and will be happy to show you any toads they’re carrying. Warm and drizzly/ wet nights are the most popular for migration. If you spot toads on Mill Lane as you’re driving and it’s safe to stop, the toads will appreciate being moved to the side of the road. If there’s lots, Whats app Kath on 07803 908568 and she’ll rally the volunteers.
If you’re interested in joining the volunteering ranks, drop an email to Find your nearest toad crossing (froglife.org)
Many thanks
The CM Toad Group