60 Volunteers Gear Up for 'Toadmageddon' in Lincolnshire

When Emma Hallewell discovered 700 dead toads on a single stretch of road last year, she knew she had to do something. Now, 60 volunteers in Belton, Lincolnshire are standing by for what they're calling "toadmageddon."

The Toad Patrol will help hundreds of common toads cross Five Gates Lane near Grantham during their annual migration to breeding ponds. Armed with high visibility jackets, torches, and buckets, the team has created a color-coded alert system to track toad movement.

When conditions are right in mid-February, the toads will waddle out at twilight to make their journey. That's when the volunteers spring into action.

"They don't like to go out when it's too cold," Hallewell explained. The 52-year-old organizer monitors weather conditions closely, waiting for the perfect migration moment.

The group's website features three warning levels: toad green, toad amber, and toad red. When the alert hits toad red, volunteers follow a rotating schedule to ensure the amphibians get safely across the road every night.

The Ripple Effect

Common toads, recognizable by their warty skin and distinctive waddle, are declining across parts of the UK. They move slowly and often cross roads at night, making them especially vulnerable to traffic during breeding season.

These creatures can live up to 12 years in the wild, and they return to the same ponds generation after generation. By protecting them during their most dangerous journey, the volunteers are helping preserve entire populations.

Hallewell got the idea from Froglife's Toads on the Roads project, a national charity initiative. She's since created a group chat and even a TikTok page to coordinate volunteers and spread awareness.

The team spirit keeps everyone motivated through the chilly February evenings. "We all chat to each other and make sure we have cover to make sure those toads are safe," Hallewell said.

The volunteers aren't just saving toads—they're experiencing the joy of hands-on conservation work. "Knowing you are helping wildlife is just the best," Hallewell added.