UK's loudest toad making 'wonderful comeback'

The natterjack toad, the UK's loudest amphibian, has made a "remarkable comeback" at a national park in southern England.

It follows a conservation project at the South Downs National Park to provide suitable places for the noisy creature to live.

More than 25 baby toads were recently counted following the project.

According to experts, natterjack toads are one of the most at-risk species from climate change because of rising sea levels.

The UK's noisiest toad

Natterjack toads are a rare species of toad in the UK, mainly found in sand dunes and saltmarshes in only around 60 sites across the country.

They include the coasts of north-west England and the Solway Firth in Scotland.

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) charity has been leading work to provide new suitable territory for natterjack toads to help increase their numbers.

They have been creating shallow ponds and restoring heathlands for the introduction of cattle grazing to create "perfect conditions" for them to return.

In 2021, the charity started reintroducing the toads in the South Downs National Park.

The amphibians had previously only been found on a single site in the national park at Woolmer Forest.

That's why experts were excited to recently find 28 toadlets - the first time that natterjack toads have been recorded breeding at the site in 50 years.

Jack Harper, from ARC, said: "We are delighted that everyone's hard work is beginning to pay off and that the future of this fascinating species is looking brighter in the region."

Olivia French, heathlands project team leader for the South Downs National Park, added: "This is a wonderful success story for nature recovery and shows that wildlife can thrive if given half a chance."

Top natterjack toad facts

1. Natterjack toads are known as the UK's loudest amphibian as their calls can be heard up to a mile away.

2. Natterjack toads are sometimes also called the 'running toad' as they prefer to run instead of walking or hopping because of their short legs.

3. They can be easily recognised by their distinctive yellow stripe which runs down the centre of their back.

4. There are one of two native species of toad that can be found in the country - the other one being the common toad.

5. The creatures are mainly nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.