Volunteer Voices from the Lane
Toad patrol is about much more than helping amphibians cross the road. It’s about community, fresh air, unexpected moments, and the small joy of seeing a tiny creature safely reach the other side. Since launching the Five Gates Lane Toad Patrol, volunteers have been turning out evening after evening to make a difference. Here are a few reflections from people who’ve been out on the lane.
Jo joined the Five Gates Lane patrol early on and quickly discovered how memorable an evening on the lane can be.
Finding the Toad Zone
Jo, Volunteer Patroller
A comment on social media piques my interest – “Try to join a toad patrol. It’s a lovely thing to do and makes you feel good about the world”. I search up toad patrols and find a BBC article about the Belton crossing. It’s a bit of a trek, but it all sounds so much fun with “the toadmin” volunteers sending out red traffic light toad alerts at the peak of migration (or “toadmaggedon”).
I’m on the inaugural Belton patrol. It’s too cold for toads, but I meet the Holy Trinity of Toaders, Emma, Emma and Mel, who quickly bring me up to speed on toad migration and toad patrolling. The next evening is mild and moist, and my phone starts vibrating like crazy in the cinema. With much excitement, the toads are finally on the move.
On my next patrol, the traffic is busy, and there’s a sense of urgency. On spotting my first toad, I enter the toad zone – totally focused on the job at hand. I escort 11 toads across the road, one of which attaches his nuptial pads to my gloved hand and snuggles his little face into my palm. I’m embarrassed to find myself talking to the toads, but soon realise that everyone else is doing it too. The male toads chirp back to us. Scooping up 4 casualties (“casualtoads”) is unpleasant, but necessary so they don’t get double counted.
Halfway through my following shift, the mercury rises, the drizzle descends, and the toads spring into action. A few hitchhikers appear. Why walk when you can get a female to carry you? A car zooms by, leaving a toad in its wake. It’s still alive, but soon dies. I do a quick sprint and scoop to get the next one to safety before the advancing headlights reach us. The next car is too close, so I shine my torch on the toad and wave at the driver, who slows and diverts, meaning another toad lives to breed again. 16 toads and 1 casualty on an adrenaline-fuelled shift!
After just 10 days the patrol has saved 1,654 toads, 103 frogs and 5 newts. As patroller Sally says, “proof that when enough people decide to make a change, it happens”. It’s an impressive achievement by these 3 women – earmarking the site and recruiting and organising over 70 volunteers. With so much bad news in the world, it’s a privilege to be part of such a positive story.
For Sally, volunteering was about reconnecting with a hobby and spending time outdoors while helping wildlife
A New Hobby with a Purpose
Sally, Volunteer Patroller
I decided to volunteer as I decided this year I am going to get back into doing hobbies that interest me, as it’s all too easy to just be a mum and wife. This was right up my street. I love all animals and found the cause really worthy.
It’s been really interesting. I’ve met some lovely people and fabulous creatures, and it’s also been great talking to members of the public and spreading the word of the toad 😆
Leanne signed up to the Five Gates Lane Toad Patrol as soon as she heard volunteers were needed, keen to spend time outdoors and help protect local wildlife.
A Sense of Achievement
Leanne, Volunteer Patroller
When I first heard about the toad patrol needing volunteers there was no doubt in my mind that I had to be involved!
As an animal lover and nature enthusiast this was a no brainer for me, getting out in the fresh air, getting exercise and getting to have encounters with the toads is just wonderful. Combined with the fact that you just know that the other volunteers are going to be like-minded people it’s a great experience.
There’s a sense of achievement you don’t get from sitting in front of the TV for those 2 hours.
The best moments for me on patrol so far have been the near misses, when you see the sweet little toads halfway across the lane and faint headlights in the distance, that’s where you feel you’re making a difference, a little life saved that would have been sadly lost.
Join a Toad Patrol Near You
Stories like these are being created every evening along Five Gates Lane. What started as a small group of volunteers has quickly grown into a community effort, with people giving up their evenings to help protect local wildlife and make a real difference during migration season. Every toad safely guided across the road is a small win, and together those small actions are adding up to something really special.
If reading these stories has inspired you, there are toad patrols taking place all across the UK. You can find your nearest patrol using Froglife’s national Toads on Roads patrol map, which helps connect volunteers with local migration sites.