Margaret led the way for toads to safely crossroads
IN over 30 years working for the Wildlife Trust I have many fond memories and my experiences have generated a range of anecdotes that I’m sure will last me into my dotage. But a surprising number of the great memories and notable moments have a common thread – well two common threads – the Common Toad, and the legend that is Margaret Cooper.
25 years ago, Margaret contacted the Trust asking if we would back her proposal to apply for the closure of Beanford Lane in Oxton for a month to help prevent toads being squished by cars while these delightful amphibians crossed the road on their annual migration to their breeding grounds.
When Margaret explained that the reason for the proposed closure wasn’t because there were no volunteers willing to help toads across the road during this sensitive period – it was because the dedicated band of local volunteers working to save toads were struggling to cover two migration routes on separate roads into the village.
While I’m sure the Oxton toad patrol wasn’t the first, the activity was quite unusual back then. There are now toad patrols across the county and country, but back in 1999 it was seen as rather more eccentric.
The Trust couldn’t resist Margaret’s passion and determination and, in the decades, since I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of her powers of persuasion, securing support from local residents, councillors, companies and MPS – all falling into line to support the Oxton toads.
Down the years, and especially in the early days, I’ve spent many an early morning with Margaret searching for toads to star in the latest photo call to publicise the crossing and the need for funds to cover the cost of the road closure.
One of our earliest photocalls was with a national daily newspaper – back in the day when getting a story in a national newspaper was a big deal.
As momentum gathered around what we believed to be a world first closure of a public highway for toads, I was asked to give radio interviews for Japanese and Canadian Radio – still my only overseas coverage 25 years on.
I distinctly remember being in the lounge of one of our trustees while attending a meeting of our Reford Local Members’ Group and having to ask if I could use his landline to speak to Radio Tokyo – the reaction from the committee members was priceless funny looks doesn’t come into it.
While the road closure might have been a world first, Margaret is very much a one-off – a real example of the type of wildlife hero that makes a huge difference locally and across the country.
With more than 25 years effort to protect the village’s toads under her belt, Margaret’s passion and enthusiasm is undiminished and her efforts were recently recognised by the AA with a special award.
While Margaret was, I’m sure, humbled by the gesture, having had the pleasure of knowing her for so long, I know her real reward is knowing that she’s making a difference.
Margaret, on behalf of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, the generations of toads you’ve helped to save and the generations of toad patrollers you’ve inspired – we salute you.