Toad Appeal on Bonfire Night

Tuesday, 07 August 2012

commontoaddavidplummer In Autumn as temperatures drop and we look forward to bonfire night, Sussex Wildlife Trust is reminding people that many animals also start searching for places to hibernate.

Each year we check our bonfires for sleepy hedgehogs but it’s equally likely that toads, frogs and newts also find shelter in log or leaf piles for their seasonal snooze.

Toads and frogs play an important role as predators in the garden and might be missed in any bonfire checks. By taking the following simple steps all community bonfire organisers and families with back garden celebrations can ensure that wildlife isn’t harmed:

Build the bonfire as close to the night as possible.

Before lighting, search for amphibians and hedgehogs using a torch and a rake.

Move any animals to somewhere dry and safe away from the fire.

Gardeners can also help amphibians and hedgehogs in advance by piling autumn leaves or logs in undisturbed areas providing excellent winter nests.

To find out how to help wildlife in your garden please visit Sussex Wildlife Trust’s advice pages on the website www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/index.htm