Road closure to protect migrating toads welcomed

In a significant move to protect migrating toads, the Wiltshire Council has decided to close a road in Warminster. This decision has been met with enthusiasm from conservationists who have long advocated for the safety of these amphibians. The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will close Smallbrook Road overnight from February 1 to April 30 each year. This period is crucial as it coincides with the toads' migration to their breeding ponds. Each year, many toads are tragically killed while attempting to cross the road, despite the efforts of dedicated volunteers who try to rescue them. Harriet James, who leads the local toad patrols, expressed her delight at the council's decision, stating, 'We are thrilled and somewhat surprised because we have been campaigning for this for quite a long time. We probably started our efforts about five years ago. ' Adult toads emerge from their winter hiding spots in February and begin their journey to the same breeding ponds they have used for generations. Male toads often wait near the water and will hop onto the backs of females as they make their way to the ponds. During the migration season, volunteers patrol the roads where the toads cross, using buckets to collect them and transport them to safety. Harriet James and Iain Perkins are among the volunteers who participate in these patrols, wearing high-visibility jackets to ensure they are seen by drivers at night. Ms. James, who is also a member of the conservation group Sustainable Warminster, noted a concerning decline in the toad population, particularly among females. The latest statistics reveal that last year, the toad patrols in Warminster recorded a total of 1,360 toads, of which 494, or 36%, did not survive. This is a significant increase in mortality compared to the previous year, where only 290, or 19%, were lost. 'Every year, the number of volunteers varies. It depends on the time we go out and the weather conditions. Sometimes, if it suddenly gets cold or foggy, the toads stop moving,' explained Ms. James. 'It is challenging to compare the numbers, but we can see a general decline year after year since we began our patrols in earnest in 2019. If we can rescue enough females, we can maintain the population because each female can produce at least 1,000 eggs. ' Volunteers carefully collect the toads in buckets and release them in safe areas away from the road. According to the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC), the Common Toad is considered an 'umbrella species,' meaning that protecting them also helps safeguard other species within the ecosystem. Iain Perkins, a local ecologist and member of Sustainable Warminster, shared insights about the toads' behavior, stating, 'A good time to look for toads is around Valentine's Day, but it really depends on the weather; they prefer wet and stormy conditions. The Common Toad, which is unfortunately becoming less common, is recognized as a species of conservation concern due to its declining numbers. It is the responsibility of the government and local authorities to take action to conserve them when possible. ' Following the council's decision, they stated, 'The traffic order will also allow the Smallbrook Toad Crossing Patrol to operate more safely by reducing traffic during the toad migration period. ' The toad patrols work diligently through the night to prevent these amphibians from being run over. The TRO will be in effect annually from February 1 to April 30, from 5 PM to 5 AM. The road will be closed from the Smallbrook Lane car park to the junction with Upper Marsh Road and Henfords Marsh, with some access still permitted.