How to Help Amphibians in the UK: A Complete Guide

Amphibians such as frogs, toads, and newts play a vital role in the UK’s ecosystem. They help control insect populations, serve as prey for other wildlife, and indicate the health of our natural environments. However, amphibian populations have been declining due to habitat loss, pollution, disease, and climate change.

If you want to support these fascinating creatures, there are many ways to make your garden, local area, or community more amphibian-friendly. This guide covers everything you need to know about helping amphibians thrive in the UK.

Why Do Amphibians Need Our Help?

There are seven species of amphibians native to the UK:

• Common frog (Rana temporaria)
• Common toad (Bufo bufo)
• Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) – rare and highly protected
• Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris)
• Palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus)
• Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) – protected by law
• Pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) – reintroduced to the UK

Unfortunately, amphibians are facing serious threats, including:

• Loss of ponds and wetlands – Over 50% of the UK’s ponds have disappeared in the last century.
• Pollution and pesticides – Contaminated water affects amphibians' delicate skin and breeding success.
• Habitat fragmentation – Roads, fences, and urban development prevent amphibians from reaching breeding sites.
• Climate change – Warmer winters and unpredictable seasons affect hibernation and breeding cycles.
• Disease – Deadly fungal infections like chytridiomycosis are spreading through wild populations.

By making small changes to our gardens and communities, we can create safe spaces for amphibians and help prevent further population declines.

Create an Amphibian-Friendly Garden

A well-designed garden can provide shelter, food, and breeding sites for amphibians.

Build a Wildlife Pond

Ponds are the most important habitat for amphibians, providing a place to breed and feed.

• Size: Even a small pond (1m²) can attract frogs and newts.
• Depth: At least 60cm deep in the centre to prevent freezing in winter.
• Gradual Slopes: Create shallow edges so amphibians can enter and exit easily.
• Plant native aquatic plants:
  • Floating: Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides)
  • Marginal: Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), Water mint (Mentha aquatica)
  • Oxygenators: Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), Water starwort (Callitriche spp.)

Avoid adding fish to your pond, as they eat amphibian eggs and larvae.

Create Shelter and Hibernation Sites

Amphibians need damp, sheltered places to rest and hibernate during winter.

• Log piles and rockeries – A stack of logs, stones, or bricks makes an ideal hiding place.
• Leaf piles and compost heaps – Provide excellent overwintering spots for toads and frogs.
• Wild areas – Leave parts of your garden undisturbed with long grass and native plants.

Avoid Using Pesticides and Chemicals

Amphibians absorb water and oxygen through their skin, making them highly sensitive to pollution.

• Stop using slug pellets – These poison amphibians, which feed on slugs.
• Use organic gardening methods – Companion planting and natural predators like hedgehogs and birds help control pests.
• Collect rainwater – Tap water contains chlorine, which can harm amphibians and pond life.

Provide Safe Passage for Amphibians

Amphibians migrate between hibernation sites and breeding ponds each year, but obstacles like roads and fences can be deadly.

Create Wildlife Corridors

• Hedgehog highways also help amphibians – Cut a 13cm x 13cm hole in fences to allow passage.
• Connect gardens by planting hedgerows and wildflower strips.

Make Roads Safer for Amphibians

Thousands of frogs and toads are killed crossing roads each year.

• Join a Toad Patrol – Volunteers help toads cross roads safely during breeding season. Register at Froglife.
• Support the creation of wildlife tunnels and underpasses in new developments.

Support Amphibians in Winter

During colder months, amphibians hibernate in damp, frost-free places.

Where Amphibians Hibernate

• Frogs and newts hibernate at the bottom of ponds or in log piles.
• Toads prefer hiding in leaf litter, under logs, or in compost heaps.

How to Help

• Don’t disturb hibernating amphibians in winter.
• Leave leaf piles and compost heaps undisturbed until spring.
• Keep part of your pond ice-free – Place a ball in the water or pour warm water over the surface (don’t break the ice suddenly, as shockwaves can harm amphibians).

Report Sightings and Monitor Amphibians

Recording amphibian sightings helps conservationists track populations and identify declines.

• Report your sightings to:

  • Froglife’s Dragon Finder
  • Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC)
  • Garden Wildlife Health (to report sick or dead amphibians)

• Take part in amphibian surveys:

  • The National Amphibian Survey (run by Froglife)
  • The Great Crested Newt Monitoring Programme (run by Natural England)

What to Do If You Find an Injured or Sick Amphibian

Amphibians are vulnerable to injury, disease, and dehydration, especially in summer.

Common Signs of a Sick Amphibian

• Red or ulcerated skin – Could indicate Ranavirus, a deadly disease.
• Fungal growth – White cotton-like patches may be chytrid fungus.
• Thin, lethargic, or unable to move – Could be dehydration or illness.

How to Help

1. If found in a dry area, move it to a damp, shaded spot near a pond or shelter.
2. If injured, place it in a moist box with air holes and contact a wildlife rescue.
3. Report suspected disease cases to Garden Wildlife Health.

Get Involved in Amphibian Conservation

Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still help!

Join Conservation Groups

• Froglife (www.froglife.org) – Runs habitat restoration and toad patrols.
• Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) (www.arc-trust.org) – Protects amphibians and reptiles.

Support Local Wetland Projects

• Volunteer at nature reserves that restore ponds, wetlands, and waterways.
• Advocate for amphibian-friendly land management with your local council.

Conclusion

Amphibians are an essential part of the UK’s wildlife, but they need our help to survive. By creating wildlife ponds, avoiding pesticides, protecting migration routes, and reporting sightings, we can make a real difference in conserving these fascinating creatures.

Even small actions—like letting your garden grow wild or joining a local conservation group—can have a big impact on amphibian populations.

Let’s work together to create a safer, healthier future for frogs, toads, and newts in the UK!