Toad safety patrol is out on rescue mission
Chance to learn more about fostering
ATEAM of volunteers are rescuing toads, frogs and newts from being hit by cars as they return to their ancestral breeding ground.
Over a six week period volunteers for Toad Patrol are monitoring Rakewood Road next to Hollingworth Lake and bringing the amphibians across the road safely to the lake.
They follow the same route, regardless of what gets in their way.
When roads are built they continue across the roads, leading to high levels of mortality. There has been a 68% decrease in the number of common toads in the UK over the past 30 years. This year, the 12 volunteers are rescuing up to 70 toads a night, who come to the lake around dusk, crossing the dangerous road.
Kate Clegg, from Littleborough, and her two children aged nine and 11 spend a few hours around twilight carrying out the rescue mission.
Kate said: “A friend noticed that toads were getting run over.
“Cars come up and down the road really quickly but we have had lots of volunteers this year.
“Last year she was losing 15 to 20 a night, now it’s usually about three fatalities.
“It makes a huge difference – they’re so quick so once they decide they’re going they go.
“It doesn’t matter to them if there’s a road or not.
“We’re hoping to cover all the way down the road next year.
“We go every evening and there are even more if its warm and it rains.” Kate added that some motorists are inconsiderate of their efforts.
She said: “Most road users are really pleasant and ask what we’re looking for and if they can help.
“But some people fly past and have no intention of stopping so you have to get out of the way.
“But it’s nice to get out and it’s only a couple of hours of your time.” Kate rescues around five to 10 newts per night and four to five frogs, but around 70 toads.
Toad Patrol is a campaign set up by charity Froglife committed to the conservation of amphibians.
Kate hopes more people will join next year, for the six weeks from midMarch to April so more can be saved.
She joined this year after seeing signs along the road.
PEOPLE across Rochdale who are interested in finding out more about fostering are encouraged to join online information sessions being run by Rochdale Borough Council’s fostering team.
The sessions aim to give people who have been thinking about becoming a foster carer the opportunity to ask questions about the different types of fostering available, the application process and also speak to some of the council’s foster carers.
With the continued social distancing measures and venue closures in place the online sessions have provided a useful way of running information sessions for those interested in fostering.
Trish Mullins, local foster carer, said: “I’ve taken part in many of these sessions and I really enjoy sharing my fostering experience with others and being there for the start of their fostering journey.
“I’m looking forward to meeting more people on these new sessions.
“Fostering is such a rewarding role so if you’ve ever considered it then I’d really encourage you to contact Rochdale Borough Council.”
Coun Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for getting a good start, said: “Our information sessions have always been a really great way for people to find out more about fostering and take their first step with us on their fostering journey.
“If you’ve been thinking about fostering then I’d really encourage you to join us at one of these sessions.
“They’re friendly and informal and you get the chance to speak to some of our foster carers and ask them any questions you may have on the role.”
Upcoming sessions are being held on:
l May 6, from 6 to 7.30pm
l June 3, from 6 to 7.30pm
l July 7, from 6 to 7.30pm
l August 5, from 6 to 7.30pm
l September 2, from 6 to 7.30pm
l November 4, from 6 to 7.30pm
l December 1, from 6 to 7.30pm.
You can join the Zoom call in your internet browser, or download the Zoom app beforehand which is quick, easy and free.
If you are interested in taking part, please email: foster@rochdale.gov.uk and you will be sent joining instructions.
Alternatively, please call 0300 303 1000 for a friendly chat about fostering. l
YOU can find out more about fostering, including reading stories from many of the council’s current carers, at rochdale.gov.uk/. fostering.