Charlcombe Lane near Bath, Somerset, will be closed from February 9 to March 29 to protect migrating amphibians. The annual closure allows toads, frogs, and newts to safely cross the road as they journey to their traditional breeding lake in the valley below.
The Charlcombe Toad Rescue Group leads nightly patrols at dusk throughout the six-week period. Volunteers, dressed in hi-vis jackets and equipped with torches and buckets, spend over 600 hours carefully assisting common toads, frogs, and newts. Using latex-free, powder-free gloves to avoid contaminating the amphibians, they gently collect the animals and transport them to safe drop-off points.
In 2025, more than 50 dedicated volunteers helped nearly 4,000 amphibians cross a half-mile stretch of Charlcombe Lane. Over the past 23 years, the group has safely guided over 50,000 amphibians. The previous year marked the second highest tally on record and the first ever sighting of the rare great-crested newt during patrols.
READ MORE: Henry Arundell Learning from Legend to Become a More Complete Player
READ MORE: Council to Replace Inadequate Bollards After Months of Expense
This annual road closure, in place since 2003 with Bath and North East Somerset Council’s support, is one of only four such closures in the UK. It has drastically reduced amphibian road casualties from 62% before the closure to just 3% in 2025, helping preserve local populations amidst national declines.
Helen Hobbs, manager of the Charlcombe Toad Rescue Group since 2003, explained, “Closing Charlcombe Lane with community support has been a game changer for our local amphibians. While shifting climate patterns make migration timings unpredictable, this six-week closure ensures they have a safe window to breed and thrive.”
Recent scientific studies using toad patrol data highlight a 41% decline in common toad populations across the UK in the last 40 years. Threats such as road traffic, habitat loss, pond disappearance, farming intensification, and climate change create ongoing challenges for amphibian conservation.
Nationwide, over 200 patrols assist migrating amphibians during breeding seasons, reflecting a growing commitment to protect these vital but vulnerable species.