'Toad patrol' helps over 800 amphibians cross road

A group of conservationists known as "toad patrollers" have been helping hundreds of toads and frogs safely cross a busy road in Surrey.

The Boundary Road Toad Patrol, based in Rowledge near Farnham, was set up in 2012 to ferry toads, frogs and newts across the carriageway to their breeding ponds.

Since then, dozens of people have donned high-vis jackets and patrolled Boundary Road each year - with volunteers ranging from four to 88-years-old.

"People absolutely love it," said Lisa Malcolm, founder of the group.

The patrol is a joint effort by the Wrecclesham Conservation Group and the Bourne Conservation Group.

Last year, volunteers helped 719 amphibians cross the road but have already assisted 860 in 2025, with the crossing expected to be completed by mid-April.

"They can move up to two kilometres away to hibernate and only come out when it is wet and warm enough," said Lisa.

"We walk up and down the roads, pick them up in a bucket and we take them to the breeding ponds.

"The whole reason for doing this is toad numbers are declining. We just want motorists to keep an eye out because it's sad when the toads get squashed."

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