Amphibian & Reptile Conservation is the place to learn about frogs, toads and spawn, find tips to help, report sightings and answer concerns. If you do accidentally disturb an amphibian that lies dorman in winter, place it back where you found it (away from cats and protected from frost like under log piles). The site is very well laid-out and has information on every species including common issues, ponds, planning advice and wildlife crime.
Aside from North American bullfrogs (illegally released in the wild), other amphibians are native to England. Frogs jump (and don’t have warts). Toads ‘walk’ and do have warts!
- Both like ponds (use sloping sides and avoid netting) but can live in most damp areas. See the post on how to build a garden pond (which also covers pet-toxic plants and wildlife hazards to avoid).
- Keep pools covered when not in use (Frog Log and Critter Skimmer are two little American inventions. Both help to stop stop small creatures drowning or getting caught (get both, they do different things).
- Use garden shears over strimmers. Or if you use strimmers, at least sweep through the area with a broom first, to allow sleeping amphibians to escape.
- You can sign up as a toad lollipop lady to help migrating toads cross roads at night, whatever the weather!
England also has other amphibians including endangered natterjack toads (never walk on sand dunes in Norfolk etc, and keep to paths). Great crested newts (which look like mini dinosaurs) are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (you remember Boris Johnson was complaining about this, when he wanted to build new houses that would have destroyed their habitats).
Newts again came up in his life when his plans to build a swimming pool were blocked due to newts living nearby. But this time he vows to ‘build little newt motels’ to house them in their trips past the pool, to stop the falling in. He says ‘We will excavate new ponds in which they can breed. We will make a Newtopia!’ Let’s hope he’s telling the truth.
A Day in the Life of Frogs is a beautifully illustrated guide fset over 24 hours to show what frogs, toads and spawn get up to all day. Meet amphibians from around the world including rampaging toads, seethrough frogs and tiny tadpoles. Read more about the world’s most amazing frogs and toads. Witness incredible moments like a frog turning blue, a wolverine frog (that shoots claws from beneath its skin) and a female frog that absorbs frogspawn into her own skin!
