Cumbrian drivers urged to cut speed as frog and toad migration begins

Large numbers of frogs and toads are killed on the roads each year, West Cumbria Rivers Trust says

Drivers are being urged to slow down as an annual migration of frogs, toads and newts gets under way.

West Cumbria Rivers Trust says the creatures are moving from their winter hibernation spots around Keswick to ancestral breeding ponds and lakes.

It is asking motorists to reduce their speed on the A591 near the Dodd Wood and Low Nest Farm areas.

The organisation says the amphibians move "en masse" when nights are mild and wet.

Volunteers wearing hi-vis jackets will be covering parts of the road in pairs, placing any creatures "in need of a free ride" into a bucket before being released into a pond.

'Toad Patrol'

Trust director Jodie Mills said: "So many animals are being lost at these crossing points every year.

"We started Toad Patrol due to the numerous bodies we were seeing on our roads as these creatures make necessary journeys to complete their lifecycle.

"We'd like to ask everyone to be aware of the migration, slow down during this time and watch our for our toad patrollers on the road."

The trust estimates 20 tonnes of frogs and toads are killed on the country's roads each year.