The arrival of warmer weather has prompted breeding activities in our local population of common frogs. This has prompted them to travel to find suitable mates to source the next generation of the species. This is a natural event and occurs annually.

 

A Common Frog (Rana temporaria).

This year however, the migration of frogs in one area of our countryside has caused much concern for their welfare. In High Hatch Lane in Hurstpierpoint, the movement of frogs between 3 local ponds has caused many to travel across the lane to reach a pond on the other side. In doing so hundreds have been squashed by passing vehicles leaving a carpet of mutilated bodies on the road surface. One of our supporters named David Waterhouse spotted the carnage being inflicted on their population and contacted Chairman Michael Nailard urgently to seek a remedy to help their plight. We are very grateful to him for his vigilance and prompt action.

 

A few distinguishable carcasses amongst the scores of mutilated frogs killed in the lane.

Michael visited the location to see the problem for himself and witnessed the devastation being caused over a distance of almost 100 metres. Quickly some temporary road signs were constructed and landowner agreement obtained to mount them on the verges outside their properties. They were immediately erected beside the lane so that they would be seen by passing vehicles to warn motorists of the frog presence and to slow down.

 

A hastily created sign being erected to help prevent further deaths.

The landowner of a local Nursery was very co-operative and offered to monitor the period of breeding activity and to advise Michael when the signs could be removed. We cannot remedy the demise of those already killed but hopefully this action will prevent further frog lives being lost.  All wildlife species are precious and we as a group work to help them in an increasingly hostile and shrinking natural environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warning signs were erected at both ends of the 100metre stretch of lane to warn motorists and encourage them to slow down.