THE annual plea to help toads cross the road has gone out, as the amphibians get on the move for spawning time.

Ringwood Amphibian Conservationists need help to save hundreds of toads from being squashed by vehicles as they cross the Gorley Road near Poulner School to spawn in the surrounding lakes.

Every year, local volunteers help save toads’ lives by helping them cross the road, and more people are now needed as the creatures are starting to come out of hibernation.

They are expected to be crossing the road from now until the beginning of April. They start crossing at dusk, when they can be particularly hard for drivers to see, and continue crossing through the night when it is raining and warm.

The toads only cross the road if it’s dark and mild (above five degrees).

A spokesman said: “We’ve lost quite a few of our regular toad patrol volunteers this year due to other commitments, so we’re actively seeking more supporters to help the toads cross the roads safely.

“Toads are very valuable to gardeners as they eat slugs, snails and small creatures that damage plants.

“They also form a vital part of the local ecosystem and as such need protecting. The toad population in the UK has been declining in recent years, so we must act now to save our toads.”

Toads can often travel further than a kilometre during their migration back to their spawning ground. Rather than using rough hedgerow or grassy land, toads will often choose the easier bare ground to travel along, making roads an obvious travel route for them.

To find out more about toad patrol and being a volunteer call 01425 478891.