Grantham’s Night-Time Toad Heroes Are Saving Hundreds
More than 80 volunteers are turning out after dark to help migrating toads safely cross Five Gates Lane
Hi-vis jackets. Head torches. Buckets at the ready.
While most of Grantham is settling down for the evening, a growing band of wildlife heroes is out along Five Gates Lane – carefully escorting toads, frogs and newts across the road under the cover of darkness.
The Belton Toad Patrol was launched after a devastating discovery last year.
“We came down here and counted over 700 dead toads,” explains Emma Halliwell, one of the patrol managers. “So we realised actually there was a need for a toad patrol down here.”
The amphibians have followed the same migration route for hundreds of years – long before there was a road cutting through it – travelling towards Tar Pond Lake to breed.
“Over 700 of them got squished last year,” says volunteer Mel Brown. “And that’s just the ones that were recorded.”
This year? It’s a very different story.
“In the first week we’re over 600 saved,” Emma says. “I think last Saturday we did 251 in one night.”
The numbers depend on the weather. Mild and wet – is perfect. “That’s when they’ll come out,” Emma explains.
But what’s perhaps most remarkable isn’t just the toads being saved – it’s the people showing up to help.
“I can’t believe how many volunteers we’ve got,” Emma says. “We’ve got over 80 volunteers in literally the last few weeks. It’s just heartwarming to know people are really bothered about wildlife and they want to save it. It’s just wonderful.”
The patrol draws all ages. One Saturday night, Emma found herself out with three twenty-somethings.
“I said, ‘Have you enjoyed it?’ and they said it’s been the best night of their lives. They would rather do that on a Saturday night than go out. It just makes me so happy.”
Mel agrees the appeal might surprise people.
“It’s good exercise. You get to meet some people. Everyone’s sort of doing it for a good cause, and it’s just nice to get a bit out and about.”
The migration typically begins around Valentine’s Day and continues into April – meaning the late-night patrols are far from over. After laying their eggs, the toads will need help crossing back again.
As Emma puts it: “Everything’s got its place.”
And in Grantham, that now includes an army of volunteers making sure the toads get safely to theirs.