Road to be closed for love sick toads

[06/01/05]

FOR the third year running Bath & North East Somerset Council – as part of the Wildthings partnership – will be closing the district’s most important toad crossing to allow the amorous amphibians to reach their breeding grounds safely.

A section of Charlcombe Lane in Bath will be closed to through traffic from the end of January to the end of March 2005.

This year 619 toads, 43 newts and 131 frogs were rescued – an increase of around 100 on 2003’s toad rescue.

Toads make their move during the warm and wet evenings of spring and they have been helped on their way at Charlcombe Lane by a team of local volunteers for many years.

In the past rescuing them was a hazardous experience for the helpers too, so the lane closure will make it safer for both humans and amphibians.

During the road closure, residents will still have full access to their homes and diversion signs will be in place to encourage other vehicles to avoid the lane.

For more details on how you can get involved please contact Jane Briggs, Planning Services, Community Landscape Projects Officer 01125 477579
or e-mail jane_briggs@bathnes.gov.uk