Toads on Roads

Discussion of sightings in and around the Chorley area.

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paul b
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Toads on Roads

Post by paul b »

In the next few weeks Common Toads will be making their annual migration back to their breeding ponds -but a distressingly large number won't make it because they will be killed on roads that they have to cross. Just like the hedgehog they are very vulnerable to this mortality-and just like the hedgehog their numbers have fallen steeply in recent years.
The "Toads on Roads" campaign managed by Froglife.org seeks to get volunteers to go out on evenings when the toads are moving and "ferry"them across the roads to safety.Currently they have no official crossings registered in the CDNHS area (registration is important as the sites are put on a national database with Natural England and the official crossings have some legal status).

Two possible sites for crossings are in Belmont -at Belmont and Ward's reservoirs ;there are records of HUNDREDS of toads being killed here in ONE night on several occasions in recent years. But are there other sites in Chorley and district? Brinscall? Coppull? Croston?

I am asking two things here:
*Does anyone know of places where significant numbers of toads are killed on their migration? ('significant' because unfortunately we probably won't be able to patrol every site)
* Is anyone prepared to volunteer to help at a toad crossing at Ward's reservoir this spring? It involves a few hours on migration nights. I'm prepared to do the organising -but I can't move hundreds of toads on my own!


Please reply to this post or alternatively PM me.

Thanks for reading

Paul Brennan
http://www.froglife.org/
tony
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by tony »

Hi Paul
Good post, my mrs and I spent a couple of hours a few years ago at watermans cottage clearing the road after nearly squashing one.
where is wards reservoir? please pm me, hopefully we will be able to help.
Paul Hodson
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by Paul Hodson »

Hi Paul.
Good idea, I'd be happy to help with the Toad crossing.
paul b
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by paul b »

Paul

Excellent news -so far I have applied for registration by Froglife.org for Ward's Reservoir -alternatively named the Blue Lagoon-and contacted the toad patrol manager at Hoddlesden near Darwen for some help principally when toads are moving in the West Pennine SSI area (maybe wrong but I presume they'll be slightly later than those at lower altitudes).

I'll post on here when I have more news
Carol
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by Carol »

I'm happy to volunteer most nights apart from Thursdays.
Carol
paul b
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by paul b »

Thanks, Carol
tony
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by tony »

201 views on this post and only 5 people volunteering.
It's only for a couple of hours come on people!
paul b
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by paul b »

All volunteers -I have just sent a PM -thanks
DavidM
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by DavidM »

I'm happy to help out two or three evenings per week.
paul b
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by paul b »

Thanks David-just sent PM
Paul
paul b
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by paul b »

Signs have been put up on Rivington Road -thanks again to Paul for his help.

Other volunteers please PM me with contact details -need mobile numbers to text when toads move. No signs last night and water level of Ward's Reservoir was down about 2-3 feet -anyone know why?
LizW
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by LizW »

I could help if it isn't too late. I've only just seen the post.
paul b
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Re: Toads on Roads

Post by paul b »

Excellent Liz -many thanks.
There are about six of us now.

Please PM with details of mobile so I can text when we are all off to Belmont, hopefully on a successful mission (or more).
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