Wildlife

Wild Toad Road Crossing - Mortality and Patrols

Toad crossings during spring migration cause mass mortality on UK roads, but volunteer patrols have saved millions of toads over recent decades.

Key Facts

Common toads migrate to breeding ponds in February-March, crossing roads en masse
Millions of toads are killed annually on UK roads during the spring migration
Toads return to their natal pond each year with strong site fidelity
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation coordinates the national Toads on Roads volunteer network
Temporary tunnel systems under roads during migration season reduce mortality significantly

Welfare Considerations

Spring road crossings expose toads to acute trauma and death at scale. Volunteer patrols and infrastructure investment offer practical and proven solutions.

What You Can Do

Join a local Toads on Roads volunteer patrol during spring migration
Report toad crossing hotspots to Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Advocate for permanent toad tunnels on roads near known breeding ponds