An urgent appeal has been issued for volunteers to help the Natterjack toad survive at a Cumbrian nature reserve.
One of the UK’s rarest native amphibians, Natterjack toads live at RSPB Hodbarrow, near Millom but its ponds have become too overgrown with scrub for them to breed.
The nature reserve is asking people to volunteer to help the toads to begin breeding again – as Hodbarrow’s is the only indigenous population at an RSPB reserve.
People can also get involved in toad monitoring, plus other tasks, with three midweek working party dates arranged for September 28, October 26 and November 23, as well as three more planned for January.
Volunteers can also learn about tern wardening, monitor rare butterflies, as well as get to grips with practical tasks such as cleaning signs, litter picking and clearing paths to make them more accessible.
The work will help nature to flourish and ensure habitats on the site of this former iron mine are in tip top condition ahead of the Iron Line project starting in September next year, the RSPB said.
As well as helping the toads, opening up some of the denser areas of the nature reserve will also benefit rare plants such as Marsh Helleborine, Moonwort and Wild Strawberry, resident butterflies such as Greyling and Small Blue and Dingy Skipper, Bee Orchids, and rare songbirds, such as Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Rock Pipit.
Removing some of the non-native invasive plants, such as Cotoneaster will also allow the native plants, such as Kidney Vetch, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, and Harebells to thrive.
Dave Blackledge, site manager at RSPB Hodbarrow, said, “This is an exciting opportunity to improve a hidden gem of Cumbria, reinvigorating its wildlife and creating a place both visitors and local people can enjoy. We need help of all kinds to conserve this wonderful landscape – trimming back around paths, cleaning signs, counting birds, watching over the tern colony, maintaining hides, and of course the all-important toad monitoring – if you have a few hours to spare, we’d love to hear from you.
“By clearing pathways, we’ll create just the right habitats for the Natterjack toads and we’re hopeful to see this rarest of species breeding here again in the not-too-distant future. Ultimately, we want to improve the visitor experience, making this special place look as loved and cared for as it deserves.”
It is hoped that Natterjack toads will thrive from this work and use the many dynamic pools, forming a thriving colony.
Meet at the entrance to RSPB Hodbarrow at the end of Mainsgate Road, Millom at 10am. Volunteers should bring wellies, waterproofs and refreshments and gloves and tools will be supplied.
To register your interest visit https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities and search Hodbarrow.
