Saving Toads on the Move
WWT Arundel’s Toad Patrol is once again out on Mill Road at night, protecting migrating toads and newts as they make their annual journey back to their breeding ponds.
Milder, damp weather this month has triggered the instinctive migration of common toads across Sussex—an incredible natural event that unfortunately puts them at risk on country roads.
Volunteers on Toad Patrol
Reserve Manager Suzi Lanaway and a dedicated team of volunteers stay on after work, heading out under darkness when conditions are right. Toads prefer temperatures of 7°C or warmer and are especially active on rainy nights, making these the key times for patrols.
The team isn’t limited to wildlife wardens—staff from the Catering and Learning teams also join the effort. Mill Road is an officially recognised amphibian crossing point, listed by the Department for Transport, and sees a major influx of toads returning to the wetland reserve’s ponds from late January to early March.
Why Toads Travel at Night
To avoid predators such as crows, toads migrate under cover of darkness. In mild, damp weather, they may travel up to three miles to reach the waters where they were spawned. Common toads are listed as a priority species for biodiversity conservation under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, making these patrols even more vital.
Improving Habitat for Returning Toads
Many migrating toads head for the entrance pond at WWT Arundel. A recent winter desilting project removed large amounts of silt, increasing the water-holding capacity of the reedbed ponds. This work was essential, as the ponds had been getting progressively shallower due to silt build-up and hot weather drying them out.
Daytime Rescues Behind the Scenes
During daylight hours, the Keepers at Arundel Wetland Centre also look out for toads attempting to pass through the reserve’s perimeter fence. Suzi Lanaway explained, “We can pick up loads of toads off the fence line in a day. Our team will get into waders and rescue toads from our sluice gates as well.”
A Call for Care on Country Roads
Across Sussex, many roads will have volunteers out helping toads at this time of year. Suzi added, “Drive slower down country roads, look out for Toad crossing road signs and volunteers in Toad Patrol jackets. I hope motorists will keep an eye out for toads on these warm, rainy nights.”
