Each spring, thousands of amphibians embark on a perilous journey to their ancestral breeding sites. This year, Charlcombe Lane near Bath, Somerset, will close from February 9 to March 29 to allow safe passage for toads, frogs, and newts crossing the road.
The Charlcombe Toad Rescue Group volunteers will patrol the half-mile stretch nightly at dusk, spending over 600 collective hours donning hi-vis jackets and carrying torches and buckets. Their careful efforts involve gently picking up amphibians with latex-free gloves to avoid harmful chemicals and transporting them to designated drop-off points.
Since 2003, this annual road closure—one of only four in the UK—has significantly reduced amphibian road casualties from 62% before the initiative to just 3% in 2025. Last year alone, over 3,995 amphibians were guided safely across the road, contributing to a 23-year total surpassing 50,000 animals helped.
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Helen Hobbs, who has managed the rescue group since its inception, highlights the importance of the closure amidst shifting climate patterns that make migration timing unpredictable. “Closing Charlcombe Lane has been a game changer,” she says. “It’s helped our local populations buck national declines and thrive despite environmental challenges.”
Scientific research utilizing data from patrols like Charlcombe’s reveals a concerning 41% decline in the UK’s common toad population over 40 years. Threats such as road traffic, habitat loss, and climate change continue to endanger these amphibians.
Across the UK, more than 200 patrols work each migration season to protect these vulnerable species, demonstrating community commitment to conserving amphibian populations for future generations.