Country diary: We're out on toad patrol with bucket and torch | Claire Stares

Stansted Park, West Sussex: The UK loses around 250,000 toads to vehicles every year - so we're out in the drizzle trying to make a small dent on those numbersOf all our native amphibians, common toads display the most fidelity to their natal pond. Their annual spawning migration can occur any time between January and April, but it's usually triggered by a spell of mild, damp weather. Emerging from their hibernacula, they begin the journey back to their birthplace, which may be up to 5km and often involves crossing busy roads.Unfortunately, their lumbering gait and lack of road sense make them extremely vulnerable to traffic. An estimated 20 tonnes of toads are killed on the UK's roads every year, equating to 250,000 or more individuals. With the species declining by 68% in the last 30 years, the monitoring of historic migratory crossings is vital to ensure that as many toads as possible survive to breed. Continue reading...