Nature & Wildlife, Ringwood | Posted on May 21st, 2025 | return to news
Toad-ally awesome group recognised at Ringwood assembly meeting
Volunteers for Ringwood & Poulner Toad Patrol received certificates for their work helping toads cross a busy road in the New Forest.
Volunteers who hop to it and help toads across a busy road in the New Forest during the amphibian’s breeding season have received a community award.
Ringwood & Poulner Toad Patrol received a community award from the Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Rae Frederick, prior to the Annual Town Assembly on Wednesday 14 May. She said the award was made for “the volunteers’ extraordinary effort” to save toads from being squashed by motorists whilst migrating over Gorley Road in the New Forest to reach Blashford Lakes where they breed.
The mayor added: “I have been lucky to see first-hand the wonderful work the Toad Patrol volunteers do, helping toads safely reach the lakes.
“It’s a touching reminder of the care and commitment people in this town show — not just to each other, but to our local wildlife and the environment too.”
A framed plaque was presented to group leader, Nicola Yorke, who along with other volunteers manages the 50-strong band of conservationists. They give their time willingly to transporting toads safely over the road to complete their perilous journey to their breeding ground, and then the volunteers do it again when the toads return to their usual habitat where they remain for the rest of the year.
The mayor also presented certificates to those with significant roles within the patrol, although some volunteers were unable to attend on the night including patroller and amphibian expert, Clare Aveling.
Founded by Teresa Baker over 36 years ago, Ringwood & Poulner Toad Patrol is one of many groups nationwide that work hard to ensure toads can continue to breed successfully despite their spring fever routes being disrupted by road networks that previously did not exist or weren’t so heavily trafficked by vehicles as they are today.
Nicola Yorke said: “We’re incredibly proud that our efforts have been recognised in this way by the town council.
“It’s a great tribute to our fantastic 50-strong team of volunteers who are ready to take turns every evening from mid-January to well into April to help toads safely across a busy rural road as they migrate down to Blashford Lakes to breed and lay their eggs.”
A panel of judges made the decision to award the humble toad patrol with this year’s honour. The mayor said: “What brilliant work you do.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can get in touch via emailing rptoadpatrol1@gmail.com.
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2025
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
