Local Heroes Save Toads during Migration in Skelmersdale

As thousands of common toads and other amphibians embark on their annual migration in the UK, a father-son duo in Skelmersdale is taking action to protect these creatures. Each year, from January to April, these animals travel back to their ancestral breeding ponds. Unfortunately, their journey often leads them across busy roads, resulting in significant fatalities.

In Skelmersdale, a designated toad crossing exists near the duck pond on Old Engine Lane and Neverstitch Road. Currently, the toads are at the peak of their migration, heading back to the pond to breed. Mike Flaherty, 41, and his son Logan, 16, have dedicated their late-winter nights to what they call “toad patrol.” For the past two years, they have braved the chilly evenings to ensure the safety of these vulnerable amphibians.

Mike Flaherty, who works as a conservation and volunteering officer at the Ribble Rivers Trust, explained how their journey began. “A couple of years ago, we volunteered with a toad patrol group in Belmont, Bolton, before discovering an active toad crossing in Skelmersdale where there had been reports of toads becoming traffic casualties,” he said. They subsequently registered their local patrol on the FrogLife website, officially establishing the Skelmersdale patrol group.

Mike’s passion for wildlife and conservation even prompted a career change. He transitioned from a job at a window cleaning firm to his current role at the Ribble Rivers Trust. “During toad migration season, we don our high-vis vests and waterproofs, grab our buckets and torches, and head out to the local toad patrol crossing,” he shared. Their task involves patrolling a stretch of road where toads must cross to reach the breeding pond.

When they spot a toad on the road, they carefully pick it up and place it in a bucket, transporting it safely to the water’s edge at the duck pond. “We help them continue their journey unharmed,” Mike added.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, common toads in the UK are protected, although they do not enjoy the same level of protection as rarer species like natterjack toads. Despite this, common toads are recognized as a priority species, and their conservation is crucial during planning and development applications due to their status as an “at-risk” species facing habitat loss and population declines.

In Skelmersdale, other amphibians such as common frogs and smooth newts, the UK’s most widespread newt species, also face threats during their migrations. Mike highlighted the challenges amphibians encounter, including habitat loss, climate change, disease, urbanization, and water pollution. “The two biggest threats to common toads in the UK right now are the loss of breeding ponds and road crossings during their breeding season,” he explained.

Common toads follow specific routes each year to their breeding ponds, making them particularly susceptible to road accidents. The Toads on Roads project identifies these migratory crossings, which are monitored by volunteer patrols. Local councils can install road warning signs at these crossing sites, and volunteers actively assist the toads.

For those interested in contributing to local conservation efforts, information on setting up or joining a toad patrol group can be found on the FrogLife website. The efforts of volunteers like Mike and Logan not only help safeguard the toads but also raise awareness about the broader issues facing amphibians in the UK.