Home / Environment / Water Company Drains Reservoir During Toad Breeding Season
Water Company Drains Reservoir During Toad Breeding Season
20 Apr
Summary
- Over 1,000 toads may have died due to reservoir draining.
- Hafren Dyfrdwy drained the reservoir for essential safety improvements.
- Common toad populations have declined by 41% in 40 years.
Conservationists in Denbighshire expressed deep distress and anger following the draining of the Nant-y-Ffrith reservoir by Hafren Dyfrdwy over the Easter weekend. This action has potentially led to the deaths of over 1,000 toads, as the reservoir is a vital breeding ground for the species.
The reservoir, located near Wrexham, serves as a critical habitat for numerous species, including great crested grebes, coots, sedge warblers, and lapwings. Volunteers from Wrexham Toad Patrols had assisted 1,500 toads crossing roads to reach the reservoir for breeding purposes this year.
Hafren Dyfrdwy stated that the draining was necessary for essential safety improvements. The company is currently reviewing the incident with ecologists and intends to find ways to mitigate future impacts. This event highlights the vulnerability of amphibian populations, which have seen a 41% decline in the UK over the last four decades.
