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<u>BATH CHRONICLE</u> (UK) 26 January 07 Lane Will Close Again For The Highway Toads
Hundreds of amphibians are about the begin their annual pilgrimage on the edge of Bath.
Last year hundreds of toads, frogs and newts were able to make their spring migration across Charlcombe Lane when the road was closed for six weeks.
The northern stretch of the lane has been closed every spring for the past five years to enable the mating migration to take place. The creatures travel from fields to a nearby lake in the Charlcombe Valley.
And the road closure will come into force again this year on Monday, February 5 with the lane staying shut until Monday, April 2.
During that time local residents and volunteers will be going out at dusk - when the amphibians are on the move - to collect them in buckets and deposit them in gateways on the other side of the road, allowing them to continue their journey safely.
During the road closure, residents of Charlcombe Lane and their visitors will have full access to their homes but through traffic will be diverted along an alternative route.
Frogs and toad numbers are declining nationally due to a reduction in suitable habitats and the Charlcombe Valley is the most important breeding site in Bath and north east Somerset.
Cllr Gerry Curran, B &NES Council's executive member for sustainability and the environment, said: "Every year in February and March toads, frogs and newts that have been resting in the fields above Charlcombe Lane make their way to the valley to breed in ponds and lakes.
"Unfortunately, at Charlcombe Lane they are faced with barriers such as garden walls which make it impossible for them to get further.
"As they travel down the lane looking for a way through to the fields below they can be crushed by passing cars.
"By temporarily closing the road we hope to protect as many of these creatures as possible."
This is the fifth year that the volunteers have been able to carry out the rescue without the danger from through traffic.
If you would like to assist in the rescue contact Jane Briggs, community landscape project officer, on 477579, or email jane_briggs@bathnes.gov.uk .
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163490&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163316&contentPK=16492554&folderPk=89126&pNodeId=163047
Hundreds of amphibians are about the begin their annual pilgrimage on the edge of Bath.
Last year hundreds of toads, frogs and newts were able to make their spring migration across Charlcombe Lane when the road was closed for six weeks.
The northern stretch of the lane has been closed every spring for the past five years to enable the mating migration to take place. The creatures travel from fields to a nearby lake in the Charlcombe Valley.
And the road closure will come into force again this year on Monday, February 5 with the lane staying shut until Monday, April 2.
During that time local residents and volunteers will be going out at dusk - when the amphibians are on the move - to collect them in buckets and deposit them in gateways on the other side of the road, allowing them to continue their journey safely.
During the road closure, residents of Charlcombe Lane and their visitors will have full access to their homes but through traffic will be diverted along an alternative route.
Frogs and toad numbers are declining nationally due to a reduction in suitable habitats and the Charlcombe Valley is the most important breeding site in Bath and north east Somerset.
Cllr Gerry Curran, B &NES Council's executive member for sustainability and the environment, said: "Every year in February and March toads, frogs and newts that have been resting in the fields above Charlcombe Lane make their way to the valley to breed in ponds and lakes.
"Unfortunately, at Charlcombe Lane they are faced with barriers such as garden walls which make it impossible for them to get further.
"As they travel down the lane looking for a way through to the fields below they can be crushed by passing cars.
"By temporarily closing the road we hope to protect as many of these creatures as possible."
This is the fifth year that the volunteers have been able to carry out the rescue without the danger from through traffic.
If you would like to assist in the rescue contact Jane Briggs, community landscape project officer, on 477579, or email jane_briggs@bathnes.gov.uk .
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163490&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163316&contentPK=16492554&folderPk=89126&pNodeId=163047