If
you live locally and wish to help with the toad lift
(Late February until around the end of April each year)
either contact Joel
Carré or the
core group of volunteers.
Help is also required for rescue of toadlets and froglets
from around the end of May until the middle of July
each year. Again contact Joel
Carré or the
core group of volunteers and give details of how
you wish to help.
Toad and frog migrations peak when the weather
is damp. Work is normally done by torchlight and volunteers
need to bring their own bucket and torch. Yellow florescent
jackets are provided and for those who are worried about
handling frogs and toads, gloves are also available.
With sufficient volunteers a rota system can be organised
so that nobody has to help every evening during the
lift.
Please be aware that each child helping must be accompanied
by a parent or responsible guardian.
Rescuing froglets and toadlets can be carried out during
the day (May until July), but is sporadic and irregular
with most movements of 'juveniles' away from the pond
occurring after periods of heavy rain.
The pond is almost entirely surrounded by tarmac and
there are, in total, about 50 drains. We do have
a toad tunnel now so much of next year's work is likely
to involve collecting toads and frogs from the
guide fence and placing them by the pond.
We
will have to contend with traffic on the new road plus
increased amphibian numbers as a result of this years
(1999) successful toad lift!
Having
said all this, we're not a bad bunch, so come along
and rescue some amphibians. There are always people
who can try to answer 'awkward' questions about frogs
and toads. (The theory about frogs and princesses has
still to be put to test!)
If
you are a teacher and wish to receive more information
about our work please contact the
core group of volunteers with your request.
If you have visited the Balancing Pond and just want
to say hello over the internet, send an e-mail to the
core group of volunteers.
FINALLY:-
We are not a registered charity, just a small
group of volunteers. Joel
Carré is director of the Ivel Valley Countryside
Project (Tel: 01767 601042) and should be contacted
if you do wish to make a donation for the toad lift
project.
The
postal address is:-
Ivel
Valley Countryside Project,
(TOAD
LIFT)
Biggleswade
Library,
Chestnut
Avenue,
Biggleswade,
Beds,
SG18
0LL
