Why Toads Matter in the UK: Garden Benefits, Migration, and How to Help - an Illustrator’s Perspective
The Thing About Toads
Toads matter. Toads matter a lot, it seems. Recently, I've learned some fascinating toady facts that sparked my imagination and inspired a series of whimsical illustrations. I just had to share these insights and raise awareness about these overlooked warty wonders!
‘Tonight’s the Night’ - Work in progress in pen and watercolour
Unsung Garden Heroes - What Toads do For Us
It turns out these humble amphibians are doing some seriously important work behind the scenes in our gardens. If you’ve ever felt frustration watching slugs and bugs demolish your beloved plants and veggies, don’t worry lads, toads love em!
They’ll happily, and naturally, feast on the garden invaders we’d rather not deal with so it turns out toads are your natural pesticide - no chemicals required. They’re also part of a wider food chain, supporting other wildlife and helping maintain balance in the ecosystem. A healthy toad population is a sign of a healthy environment.
Unfortunately, that balance is under threat. Toads today face a number of challenges, from habitat loss and polluted waterways to one of the most immediate dangers: roads.
Toad Crossings
Every year, around about February and March in the UK, toads set out on a remarkable journey. They migrate (often returning to the very ponds where they were born!) to find a mate. These journeys can be surprisingly long, and they usually happen under the cover of night, particularly when it’s damp. The tricky thing is though, they often need to cross a road to get there.
This is where something pretty cool happens.
In my village of Barcombe, we’re lucky enough to have an active, local “Toad Patrol.” At night, volunteers head out in hi-vis to help guide toads safely across the roads, reducing the risk of them being squished by oncoming traffic. They scoop them up and carry them to safety by bucket. Adorable.
From Fascination to Illustration
Learning about all of this sparked something creatively. There's something inherently comedic yet endearing about these earnest little creatures on their quest for love and I felt compelled to honour them in the form of comedic illustrations. The drawing below ‘Careful, Toads on the Roads’ imagines a determined toad mid-journey. This chap has come fully prepared, laden with all manner of aphrodisiac offerings to woo a potential mate. How many can you spot?
‘Careful, Toads on the Roads’ - saucy toad illustration - work in progress
Another, titled ‘Tonight’s the Night’ (featured at the top of this post), captures the moment of arrival at the pond - triumph and anticipation in equal measure. Cue Rod Stewart or that saucy Marvin Gaye intro.
What started as a curiosity has turned into something more meaningful. Drawing toads has become a way of paying attention, of appreciating the small, overlooked lives unfolding around us.
6 Simple Ways You Can Help Our Toads
Next time you spot a warty toad in your garden, take a moment to appreciate the natural pest control expert at work.
Create wildlife-friendly gardens with damp, sheltered spots for toads to rest
Avoid using pesticides
Drive particularly carefully on damp spring nights
If you’re really feeling funky, consider volunteering with a local toad patrol. Find out if there are toad crossing points near you.
And if you're feeling artistic, why not create your own toad-inspired artwork? After all, every drawing raises awareness and helps these wonderful creatures continue their important work in our gardens and wild spaces.
So there you have it, a blog post about toads. Who’d have thought!
Tonight’s the Night’ - Original illustration
‘Careful, Toads on the Roads’ - Original Illustration
Prints of original artwork featured in this blog will be available soon - keep checking my shop and @artworksbychar for updates.