Every spring, the residents of Bath rally together to protect the local toad, frog, and newt populations as they make their perilous journey across Charlcombe Lane to reach their breeding lake at the bottom of Charlcombe valley. The dedicated volunteers of Charlcombe Toad Rescue work tirelessly to ensure these amphibians safely navigate the road and arrive at their destination unharmed.
The migration season prompts the closure of Charlcombe Lane to through traffic for six weeks, ensuring the safety of the vulnerable creatures. Thanks to the efforts of over 50 volunteers, hundreds of toads, frogs, and newts are saved from the threat of road traffic, contributing to the preservation of these essential members of the local ecosystem.
Helen Hobbs, the patrol manager, emphasizes the importance of their work, stating that around 20 tonnes of toads are killed on UK roads annually. The closure of Charlcombe Lane plays a pivotal role in mitigating this mortality rate and preserving the amphibian population.
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The support of organizations such as Volker Highways and Wessex Water is instrumental in enabling Charlcombe Toad Rescue to carry out their vital mission. Through collaborative efforts, they are able to provide necessary signage for motorists and seek financial assistance to cover the costs associated with the lane closure.
As part of the national campaign ‘Toads on Roads’, coordinated by Froglife and supported by ARG UK, these dedicated volunteers are part of a larger nationwide effort to protect the common toad from further declines due to road traffic. Thousands of volunteers across the country unite to safeguard the future of these charming amphibians.