Road Closed Six Weeks for Toad Migration Near Bath

Hey, guess what’s happening near Bath? They closed a road for six weeks because toads, frogs, and newts need to cross it for breeding. The Charlcombe Toad Rescue Group helps them facilitate this crossing.

They want to help over 3,000 amphibians travel to their breeding lake, located in the valley below the road. Charlcombe Lane is shut until March 25 for this important reason.

Volunteers patrol at dusk each night to help the toads, frogs, and newts. They wear bright jackets and use torches, and carry buckets too. They gently move the amphibians to safety, using special gloves without powder to protect the animals from chemicals.

The group moved 3,225 amphibians in 2024, with the assistance of fifty or more volunteers. That year proved exceptionally busy for the rescue group, helping many newts.

It was also the best year for toad rescues since 2013. The road closes every spring since 2003, with the council’s agreement, aiding local amphibian populations and promoting stability.

Only four such road closures exist in the UK. Before the implementation of the closure, many amphibians were injured on the road. Now, far fewer get hurt.

Helen Hobbs, who has managed the rescue group since 2003, emphasizes the closure’s immense help to the animals. Weather shifts make predicting movement times difficult; therefore closing the road for six weeks is vital.

Scientists used patrol data to study toads in 2016 and observed concerning drops in toad numbers across the UK. Amphibians face problems like cars and lost habitat.

Farming changes and building projects further jeopardize their existence. Climate change also impacts their hibernation patterns. Regardless, over 200 patrols help amphibians in the UK during migration season.