Jen explains:
"There are hundreds of toads crossing on one or two nights, usually late Feb or in March on a damp mildish night. Apparently if there are 1000 or more, it constitutes an official crossing. John Newton of Sheffield Wildlife Trust has confirmed there are, so we are now recognised on the froglife website as an official crossing www.froglife.org.
We care because we care about all wildlife- hundreds of these poor creatures die unnecessarily. I came home one evening last year about 8.30pm and my husband had counted 60 dead ones - there had been none around when I went out. It happens very quickly, and we realise suddenly that 'this is the night'. An estimated 20 tonnes of toads are squashed by vehicles every year (The Times Feb 2008), causing a huge decline in numbers. It is so tragic that the reason they are crossing the road is to breed, yet they are being killed.
Also, we believe in community action - what a positive thing for people to get together for a common cause. We all have a duty to care for this planet and its occupants. It's not just here for our greedy use."
Jen concludes, “although we are grateful for our 10 Friends of Porter Valley volunteers (plus Zach!), we’re eager to get more people on board, and we'd love to hear from people with an interest in helping our unusual and charismatic amphibious neighbours for a few nights this month.”
