Volunteers have kicked off their annual patrols to aid migrating toads in safely crossing roads.
The Ellesmere Toad Patrol is currently assisting amphibians in navigating Swan Hill, Caegoody Lane, and Eastwick Lane near the Shropshire town, a duty they will fulfill for the next two months.
This year’s first patrol, conducted on Wednesday, commenced earlier than usual due to the mild and wet weather, prompting the toads to emerge from hibernation ahead of schedule.
Following their period of dormancy, these toads embark on a perilous journey across roads to reach their breeding ponds.
To mitigate the risks, Shropshire Council has announced nightly closures of short sections of Swan Hill and Caegoody Lane from 19:00 to 07:00 until April 30th.
Ellesmere boasts the highest concentration of toads in Shropshire and Staffordshire, necessitating their assistance in crossing roads to access breeding ponds, as highlighted by the local authority.
Common toads are facing a decline in the UK, with thousands falling victim to road accidents annually.
These nocturnal creatures typically embark on their journeys when temperatures rise above 6 degrees Celsius, often moving after dark.