Toad Patrol returns to Warminster

A road in Warminster will be closed again overnight this spring as volunteers return to help toads and other amphibians cross safely.

Smallbrook Road will be subject to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) from 1st February, closing the road between 5pm and 5am to protect migrating toads as they make their way to breeding ponds. The restriction will remain in place until April.

The closure marks the return of the Warminster Toad Patrol, with volunteers once again helping to reduce the number of toads killed while crossing the road after a successful first year.

“Over winter, toads move away from the water and hibernate. In the spring they come out of hibernation and start to migrate back to their breeding ponds,” said Ria Painter-Coates, Warminster Toad Patrol manager.

“Unfortunately, there are now roads between where they hibernate and where they breed and so part of their migration often involves crossing roads where they are at risk of being hit by cars.

“Our aim every year is to help as many toads make it across the road as possible. We often say that even one rescue makes a night worthwhile, although obviously we hope to help many more than that.

“Hopefully the team will be able to save enough lives to have an increased population in the coming years and gradually we can see our local toad population go from strength to strength.”

Toad patrollers help amphibians cross roads safely to give them the best chance of reaching ponds to breed. Volunteers also record sightings, including numbers, sex and size, to help monitor local populations.

“With the wet and mild weather we have been having recently, we have actually started going out on patrol already, a bit earlier than the normal season which starts in February, and we are already seeing a few amphibians on the road,” said Ria.

“We would encourage people to avoid using Smallbrook Road at night whenever possible as it really does give these animals the best chance of survival.”

Drivers are being asked to use alternative routes during dark and wet conditions, and reminded that it is against the law to use Smallbrook Road, except for access, while the TRO is in place.

“With your help simply taking a different route, you will help us to protect these amazing creatures and give them a chance to not only survive but thrive,” said Ria.

The patrol is returning after the road closure was first approved last year, following two years of campaigning by Sustainable Warminster and community lobbying. Volunteers say the measure led to a significant reduction in amphibian deaths.

Warminster is home to ancestral breeding ponds, including those in Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve, which toads return to each spring after hibernation.

Over the last 40 years, UK toad populations have declined by more than 40 per cent. The group hopes its work will help reverse that trend locally.

The Warminster Toad Patrol is also hoping to provide talks to local schools and community groups. More information is available by emailing warminstertoadpatrol@gmail.com