Teenager urges drivers to avoid road to save toads

Dexter is doing all he can to ensure the amphibians "survive and thrive"

A young wildlife enthusiast has urged drivers to avoid a road being crossed by young toads to prevent them being killed.

Dexter, 14, has been a volunteer with the Warminster Toad Patrol for the last year. He said there have recently been about 250 baby toads found dead on Smallbrook Road and Lower Marsh Road.

Dexter said: "I would ask everyone to please try not to drive down Smallbrook Road at night time. If you can, please take a different route.

"The number of deaths we've seen this past week has made me really sad. It's especially hard when it's the tiddlers and you know they were only just starting their journey."

Recent wet weather has caused the young toads to emerge from their nearby birth waters and explore when darkness falls.

But this has resulted in many being killed by cars.

Dexter said: "Your shortcut home might save you a couple minutes but it could end so many lives. Not only toads but other amphibians as well.

"What I hope is that we can get people to avoid the road so the wildlife can be allowed not only to survive but to thrive."

Toadlets are often very dark in colour and can be as small as a penny

Harriet James, who manages the Warminster Toad Patrol volunteers, has echoed Dexter's message to drivers.

"It's been distressing," she said.

"These are teeny little things, smaller than an acorn. They've just grown their legs and are moving out of the breeding ponds and fattening up before they hibernate for the winter.

"These toadlets were probably laid as spawn in April. They've had no chance to even grow."

Harriet James (second from right) and fellow Toad Patrol volunteers celebrated when Smallbrook Road was temporarily closed earlier this year

Earlier this year, Smallbrook Road was closed via a Traffic Regulatory Order (TRO) to protect adult toads during the migratory season.

During this period, Warminster Toad Patrol volunteers took nightly shifts to observe the animals and keep them safe.

Ms James said: "We did so much patrolling in Spring to save the toadlets' parents and get them to their mating ponds. And now, they're being annihilated.

"There are very few motorists using Smallbrook Road, but it takes just a few cars to cause a lot of toad deaths.

"There is an alternative route through the main street, it would be great if people could use it."