Common toads could become an endangered species if they continue their decline of the last 10 years, a Shropshire countryside officer has warned.

Pete Lambert, Wrekin Forest project officer, has now appealed for more volunteers to help the amphibians cross county roads during this month and April.

Every spring thousands of toads across the county come out of hibernation to mate.

But the journey to their spawning ponds is hazardous.

Toads walk rather than hop like frogs and they often end up under the tyres of passing cars.

Mr Lambert said: “After a long winter spent hiding out in the hedges, woods and gardens of Shropshire, the toads of the county are on the move.

“At this time every year adult toads, male and female, will return to their breeding ponds. This annual walk is full of dangers.

Killed

“Many traditional routes cross roads and thousands of toads are killed each year.

“For some toad communities this loss is very hard to bear and they are in danger of vanishing completely.

“Earlier this week the first of the toads were seen on Ercall Lane, Wellington, making their way to the breeding pool at Cluddley Water.”

There are a lot of toad crossings up and down the county, mostly on rural roads, including on the A5 at Queenshead.

Toad warning signs have also been put up by Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire County Council, including in the Cluddley area.

Mr Lambert said: “If we get another 10 years of decline as we have had the toad will become an endangered species.”

Shropshire Wildlife Trust is also appealing to drivers to do their best to make time for the toads over the next few weeks.

In past years volunteers across the county have organised toad patrols to help the creatures get safely to their breeding ponds.

Volunteers are given advice on how to stay safe and also how to handle the toads.

If you would like more information on how to help the toads then contact Pete Lambert at Shropshire Wildlife Trust on (01743) 284285.

By Lisa Rowley