Wildlife

Wild Common Toad Population Welfare

Common toad populations have declined significantly in the UK and welfare actions at garden and landscape level support recovery of this widespread but threatened species.

Key Facts

UK common toad populations declined by 68% between 1985 and 2010
Road mortality during spring migration is a significant mortality factor
Garden ponds provide breeding habitat in areas where natural water bodies have been lost
Pesticide use reduces invertebrate prey base and may cause direct toxicity
Toad Patrol volunteers across the UK carry toads safely across roads during migration

Welfare Considerations

Common toad welfare benefits from a combination of garden pond provision, road mortality reduction and pesticide avoidance. Simple individual actions make measurable differences to local populations.

What You Can Do

Create a garden pond with shallow margins suitable for toad breeding
Join your local Toad Patrol group during the February to April migration season
Avoid pesticide use in your garden to support the invertebrate prey base toads require