Each spring, thousands of toads, frogs, and newts cross a dangerous road in Bath, aided by a road closure and volunteers.
Charlcombe Lane closes for amphibian safety from February 10 to March 23. This protects toads, frogs, and newts. Only four UK roads close for this reason. This closure helps local populations and has worked for twenty years.
Volunteers patrol the road each night, helping common toads, frogs, and newts. They ensure safe crossings for six weeks. Volunteers use torches and buckets, and wear high-visibility jackets and gloves. They take amphibians to the lake.
In 2024, over 50 volunteers assisted 3,225 amphibians to cross the road. Before, 62% died in traffic, but now only 6% of amphibians die. The road closure began in 2003, and this year was the best for newt rescues.
Helen Hobbs leads the rescue group and says the road closure is vital, helping the amphibian population flourish. Climate change makes things harder, making it harder to predict migration times. The six-week closure really matters. 2023’s busiest time was mid-March, while last year, it was early February.
The Council supports the road closure, and the rescue group raises funds for ads. VolkerHighways sponsors road signs, and is proud to offer support to save thousands of amphibians, highlighting the impressive work of the group.
Studies show toad populations declined due to habitat loss, traffic, and climate change over 30 years. Amphibians face more threats often now, and warmer winters also disrupt hibernation. Over 247 patrols exist in the UK, aiding migrating amphibians with Froglife gathering the national data.
In 2024, volunteers helped over 162,000 amphibians across roads. Sheila Gundry at Froglife says Charlcombe has a healthy group thanks to the toad patrol’s hard work. The road closure helps greatly, as landowners protect the pond, which also acts as foraging grounds. The group helps amphibian conservation, ensuring a strong population despite current challenges.