Drivers on a Lake District road are being asked to watch their speed as the annual frog, toad and newt migration gets underway.
The amphibians use the A591 north and south of Keswick to cross from hibernation sports to breeding ponds and lakes.
They only move when the weather is just right, waiting for nights with mild and wet conditions and volunteers from the West Cumbria Rivers Trust will be giving them a helping hand.
The creatures move en masse, and it is estimated that 20 tonnes of frogs and toads are killed on roads each year.
Two of the crossing points are on the A591 outside Keswick. The first is near Dodd Wood to the north.
The second is near Low Nest Farm, at the top of the hill leaving Keswick to head south towards Grasmere, where volunteers will be patrolling the roads to keep the crossing creatures safe.
Volunteers will walk up and down a short stretch of road in pairs for up to two hours looking for any amphibians in need of a free ride.
They are placed into a bucket with gloves and released into the pond to find a loved one.
For those that don’t live in Keswick, the team are also keen to hear from people who can help organise events in their local area too.
Jodie Mills, director of West Cumbria Rivers Trust, said: “So many animals are being lost at these crossing points every year.
“We started toad patrol due to the numerous bodies we were seeing on our roads as these creatures make necessary journeys to complete their lifecycle.
“We’d like to ask everyone to be aware of the migration, slow down during this time and watch our for our toad patrollers on the road. If anyone would like to come and lend a hand, please get in touch.”
