How many toads have been helped by UK volunteers?

Over two million toads have been guided across British roads by dedicated volunteers since 1974.

What is the population status of common toads in the UK?

Common toad populations have experienced a significant 41% decline over 40 years, though some regional recoveries have been noted since 2013.

What threats do common toads face in the UK?

Common toads continue to suffer from habitat loss and pollution, with recent legislation potentially weakening wildlife protections.

Home / Environment / Two Million Toads Safely Crossed Roads

Two Million Toads Safely Crossed Roads

28 Jan

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Summary

Over two million toads have been guided across roads.
Common toad populations have declined by 41% in 40 years.
Volunteers collect vital data to aid toad conservation efforts.

Over the past 50 years, dedicated volunteers in Britain have safely guided more than two million toads across roads during their annual spring migration. This initiative, spearheaded by the wildlife charity Froglife, is vital for a species facing widespread decline.

Data indicates common toad populations have dropped by 41% over 40 years, though some regional recovery has been observed since 2013. In 2025, a record 280 volunteer groups moved over 156,000 toads, contributing to the cumulative total of two million amphibians aided since 1974.

Volunteers patrol roads between overwintering grounds and breeding ponds on wet nights, carrying toads, frogs, and newts to safety. Beyond saving lives, this citizen science effort provides crucial data for conservation, impacting planning decisions and informing research on climate change.