Frog & Toad Count

Frogs and toads typically spawn from Jan to March and their spawning can be a good indication of where good quality water bodies such as ponds are, and the quality of surrounding habitats. Every January to March, we  run a spawn count to collect important data on the location of breeding frogs and toads across the county. We ask you to record both toad and frog spawn in your garden ponds, local community ponds, and any ponds you come across in your adventures in the countryside. 

Did you know, frogs and toads (and all amphibians actually) are considered "indicator species”? Since they absorb water directly through their skin, they're especially vulnerable to water pollutants like pesticides and one of the first to be affected by degradation of the environment and the impacts of climate change.  They also have important functions in the food webs of both aquatic and terrestrial systems, so understanding the size and location of their populations and their breeding success is really important so we can look after our aquatic habitats within the wider landscape.

Come back in 2025 to download an updated pack for the next count!

Watch some 'how to' guides below to get started.

Whilst we only want you to be counting the clumps or appearance of the spawn, you might see the parents too.  So here's a bit of information about the species we have here in Somerset.