Love-struck toads and frogs heading for a breeding lake in Powys are being given a helping hand by the county council.

A temporary closure order on the road around Llandrindod Lake will come into force later this month between the hours of 8pm and 6am to protect large numbers of migrating amphibians from being killed by passing traffic. The closure period will be from March 15 until April 5.

Every spring thousands of toads, frogs and newts cross the road on their way from nearby woods to the lake to spawn, but many fall victim to vehicles.

The lake’s amphibious population has suffered a significant decline in recent times and the closure is an important and effective means of helping them survive, says the council.Councillor Gareth Morgan, board member for countryside services, said: “Powys County Council has a statutory duty to help conserve biodiversity and this is a perfect example of how we can make a real difference to our local wildlife with a relatively small amount of effort.”

Biodiversity officer Emma Durward said: “Llandrindod Lake is an important habitat for amphibians.

“Five out of the six species found in Wales cross this road each spring to breed in the lake. This includes the great crested newt, which is now protected by law because its numbers have declined so dramatically in recent years.

“Closing the road temporarily is an important step in conserving Llandrindod’s toads. Toads are faithful to the same breeding site, returning year after year.”

By Deborah Knox