VILLAGERS in Newton Valence have hopped to the defence of the area’s toad population – for the first time securing a temporary road closure to make safe a treacherous ancient migration route taken by more than 1,000 amphibians every year.
The six-week 24/7 closure of a length of Hullam Lane and Newton Lane, from its junction with the Long Barn, to its junction with East Tisted Road, was approved by East Hampshire District Council on Tuesday and will come into effect on February 14.
More than 1,000 common toads attempt the journey to the places of their birth – Newton Valance Pond and a number of smaller watercourses in the Newton Valence area – over the course of a number of weeks every February and March.
During this time their song, which they use to attract a mate, can be heard throughout the village – and such is the significance of these ponds, charity Froglife recently ranked Newton Valence as having one of the top 50 frog migrations recorded nationally.
However, owing to the ponds’ close proximity to Hullam Lane and Newton Lane, many are squashed by cars before completing their journey – and according to villagers, an increase in traffic in recent years has resulted in even more toads croaking it.
Six years ago villagers Sue and Alan Binder formed a ‘toad patrol’ to help reduce casualties, and each year they save hundreds of amphibians from an uncertain fate – going out each evening with torches and buckets, to transport the toads from road to pond.
And after last year’s annual toad patrols coincided with a road closure because of flooding in Hullum Lane, this year the patrollers decided to apply for their own closure – this time solely for the toads’ safety.
A village survey was met with a few grumbles from those unhappy at the proposed 2km diversion route.
But a resounding 76 per cent of villagers backed the proposed road closure, putting the wheels in motion.
A £500 grant was secured from Alton Rural councillor Mark Kemp-Gee, on top of £400 from the South Downs National Park Authority.
And the toad patrol also received “terrific help” from Cllr Diana Tennyson, East Hampshire District Council traffic officer Tracy Webb and Chapter 8 Traffic Management, who planned the road closure at a heavily-discounted rate – all of which culminated in the approval of the closure notice this week.
“Let’s hear it for the Newton Valence toads!” hailed Cllr Kemp-Gee on Facebook on hearing the news.
“Although the Lane closure is not universally popular, it will protect this important species from unnecessary road kill.
“Well done Newton Valence – toad capital of Hampshire!”
If you live in the Newton Valence area and would like to support the village toad patrol, email Sue at [email protected]