‘Toad Patrol Volunteers Needed’ - I spotted the notice in the local parish magazine. After a chat with our local co-ordinator, a walking tour of the patrol area and signing the standard common sense Health & Safety form I was ready to go.  

A high viz vest, torch, bucket and gloves were all that were needed as I set off just before dusk. The rota was organised so we were in pairs. The group are all interesting people, the time does really fly past. It is very rewarding moving the Toads (Newts, Frogs) to safety, especially when you see large amounts of amphibians that have been hit by  a car/tractors/lorries!  Photographing Toads at night with a torch was interesting so I decided I venture to a nearby wild pond.  The water was teaming with toads, the reeds tangled in lines of spawn. I gently dipped my phone into the water to get some underwater shots of the breeding season.

I was rather pleased with the underwater Toad photos.  I found myself wondering if Sir David had a favourite wildlife photo, or even a favoured wildlife photo that he had taken himself. 

He replied with the following - 

‘Dear Hayley Strivens,

Thank you for your letter. 

I do not have a favourite animal photo, although,

clearly the one you sent, taken on a mobile phone, is a candidate!’ 

Best wishes, 

David Attenborough 

High praise indeed!! The letter and the underwater Toad photo I sent him (I've encouraged my past students to write to David in the past, if you include a self addressed envelope and stamp, he is always very good in replying!) 

 As the evenings get lighter, I'm looking forward to the Toad migration 2025. Talking to interesting people, getting some fresh air and being able to assist in preventing Toad casualties.

🐸 A few links about Toadwatch and how you can  participate - 

🐸Toadwach Website:   https://toadwatch.org

🐸Toadwatch blog:  https://toadwatch.org/blog

 🐸Find out about your local Toad Patrol here -  https://toadwatch.org/where-we-patrol