Warning for Drivers: Hundreds of Toads Take Over Center Parcs Roads
Spring at Center Parcs means one thing: toad traffic chaos! Hundreds of these amphibians are on the move, crossing woodland roads and paths as they head back to their birth ponds to breed. Drivers, beware – late February through March is prime toad migration season.
Longleat Forest and Center Parcs Elveden Swamped by Toad Trek
Longleat Forest in Wiltshire is a hotspot for toad crossings, thanks to its mix of woodland and freshwater ponds. Over at Center Parcs Elveden Forest in Norfolk, more than 700 toads have been spotted in the lakes, with 200+ counted just last week alone. Toad traffic jams are real!
Dusk Drives Turn Deadly for Toads
These slippery travellers hit the roads at dusk, especially on warm, wet nights after rain, starting once temperatures climb to around 7°C. Woodland roads quickly become perilous toad highways, risking serious roadkill.
Center Parcs’ Conservation Rangers are stepping up, putting up temporary road signs to warn drivers when migration spikes. It’s vital – The Wildlife Trusts say UK roads claim 20 tonnes of toads every year.
Slow Down or Squash the Wildlife
“This is one of the most crucial and vulnerable moments in the toad’s lifecycle,” warned Richard Watson, Ecology and Biodiversity Manager at Center Parcs. “Their instinct drives them back to their birth ponds – it’s remarkable and a real privilege to witness.”
“But we urge guests to drive slowly, watch carefully on woodland paths and roads, and report high toad activity to our team.”
If you’re heading to Center Parcs this spring, watch your speed and eyes – it’s a full-on toad invasion out there!
