DRIVERS are being urged to take extra care on the county's roads at night in the coming weeks as toads and frogs come out of hibernation.

The amphibians will soon wake up and start their annual migration to their spawning ponds and lakes, and conservationist Teresa Baker of the Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol, a group of volunteers who help escort toads safely across the roads, has urged people to be aware.

She said: “Toads are an endangered species and the journey they embark on is often very dangerous. By helping them overcome man-made obstacles such as roads, we are doing our bit in securing the next generation of these highly vulnerable animals.”

The Ringwood & Poulner patrol concentrates on helping toads cross Gorley Road in Poulner to and from the Blashford Lakes. They aim to have a team of volunteer patrollers on the ground every night from dusk.

Mrs Baker added: “The toads start crossing when the temperature stays above five degrees from dusk and with the winter we’ve been having so far they could start soon."

"This area is renowned for its toad population but in order to help as many toads cross safely as possible we need more volunteers." To joint toad patrol contact Teresa Baker on 01425 478891.