In late winter and early spring every year, large numbers of common toads in the woodland east of Fawley begin their trek to their traditional spawning grounds, a large pond near the Thames north of Henley. They all converge in Oaken Grove, where their progress is halted by the busy A4155. Left to their own devices they would perish while crossing this road when they are on the move at dusk, so a barrier is erected on the woodland side and a team of volunteers patrol it each evening during the migration season. Any toads found are collected in buckets to be carried across the road and beyond before being released into the pond. The photo shows a corner of the pond at dusk when the toads are most active and the atmosphere is often rather special. March 2011
Author: C Ormonde