Safety and public relations

Safety must be a primary concern when running a toad patrol. Children should be supervised on a "one child to one adult" basis. Everybody involved in the patrol must have their own torch, and wear light reflective clothing at night. Toads sitting on the actual road surface hold a fatal risk to those wanting to rescue them and sites without good visibility along a road are especially dangerous. Never risk injury to pick up a toad.

Local radio, TV and newspapers are usually very interested in "toads on roads" projects, and you can use them to rally support for toad patrols, and to raise awareness of the problems facing amphibians and other animals that are harmed by roads. Sponsored toad lifts (see enclosed form) are a way to raise funds for any costs you incur (such as telephone bills!) or helping to fund local pond restoration projects that can benefit frogs, toads and newts. Spare funds can be sent to Toads on Roads Campaign HQ to help with the costs at other sites

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Monitoring

It is important to keep a record of the numbers of amphibians rescued, and the number killed each night. Always note and keep a written record of all these figures. Also note the number of volunteers who have helped with toad patrols and the time spent each evening.

Information should be sent to your County Amphibian Recorder and the Froglife Toads on Roads Campaign national office. This will ensure that your figures are incorporated into a national database, so that we can keep track of what is being achieved throughout the UK. Enclosed with this form you will find a results sheet to help you keep a record, and a mapping sheet to record physical features, direction of movement and other relevant findings.