Frog sightings across Scotland fall as hedgehogs defy population fears

Sightings of frogs and toads in Scotland are declining, according to a garden survey by a conservation group.

The RSPB’S wildlife survey, which is part of the organisation’s Big Garden Birdwatch, showed frog and toad sightings had dropped.

Frogs have been seen in more than 60 per cent of gardens across Scotland. They were seen at least monthly in more than a quarter of gardens.

But the wildlife survey, which covered 10,357 gardens in Scotland, found regu- lar amphibian sightings had fallen by 5 per cent since 2014 when the study was last conducted.

This pattern was similar for toads, which were seen in 17 per cent of outdoor spaces on a monthly basis, down from 25 per cent four years ago.

James Silvey, species and habitats officer at RSPB Scotland, said: “Many of us may have childhood memories of watching tadpoles swimming about in ponds or spotting toads hidden away under rocks – early encounters with nature often stay with us for a lifetime.

“Sadly, such experiences are becoming less common with children spending less time outdoors.

“As frog and toads are amphibians, they need a nearby source of water close to their homes to survive.

“It’s very easy to give them a helping hand by creating a small pond or using a washing-up bowl to make a pool away from sunlight.”

Some 62 per cent of Scots spotted a hedgehog in their gardens over the past year despite the UK population suffering widespread declines in recent decades. Foxes were seen in 70 per cent of gardens and outdoor spaces.