Arts, Eco & Environment | Posted on February 20th, 2026 | return to news

Ringwood mayor opens Toad Patrol photo gallery

A new photo gallery at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest celebrating local wildlife was officially opened on Saturday 14 February.

A new photo gallery at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest celebrating local wildlife was officially opened on Valentine’s Day by the Mayor of Ringwood, Rae Frederick.

‘Amphibians Are Friends’ is a unique, large-scale outdoor photo gallery curated by Louis Pulford, a keen local wildlife photographer, creative professional and regular volunteer with Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol.

Set in a wooded glade right in the heart of Moors Valley, the outdoor display features 12 supersized posters that showcase bold, dramatic photos of common toads and other amphibians, and the vital part they play in our ecosystem.

At the launch event on Saturday 14 February, volunteers from Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol teamed up with rangers from Moors Valley to host the event, which was also attended by Tracy Monkcom, chairman of St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council, as well as other local wildlife and conservation organisations.

Cllr Frederick pulled the official ribbon to open the gallery with the help of two giant toads. She said: “Caring for our local environment is one of the most important things we can do as a community. I would especially like to recognise and thank our incredible volunteer toad patrollers.

“Toads may be small, but they play a big role in our ecosystem, and their annual journeys are a remarkable reminder of how closely connected we are to nature. And a special thank you to Louis Pulford for developing and bringing this fantastic display ‘Amphibians Are Friends’ together.”

The gallery will be on display until July, at a purpose-designed setting close to the popular Play Trail at Moors Valley.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is an award-winning visitor attraction which is a joint venture between Dorset Council and Forestry England.

Volunteers at Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol help to save the lives of migrating toads as they cross a busy rural road just north of Ringwood during their breeding season.

For more information, email rptoadpatrol1@gmail.com.