A rivers charity in Cumbria is asking drivers to slow down as an annual frog, toad, and newt migration across the roads happens.

These amphibians move from winter hibernation to ponds and lakes to breed every year, and routes often take them across roads, a spokesperson from West Cumbria Rivers Trust said.

They said the migration happens in Keswick, and they asked drivers on the A591 north and south of the town to slow down during this period.

During the migration, the animals move all together, and it is estimated that 20 tonnes of frogs and toads are killed on the roads each year, the charity said.

Two crossing points for the animals are on the A591 outside Keswick, the first being near Dodd Wood and the second near Low Nest Farm.

During this time, volunteers from the charity will be patrolling the roads to keep the animals safe.

These volunteers will walk up and down a short stretch of road in pairs for up to two hours looking for any amphibians, place them in a bucket, and release them in the pond.

Migrations happen across the country, and the charity said it’s keen to hear from people who can organise similar events in other areas.

Jodie Mills, director of the charity, said this ‘toad patrol’ started after ‘numerous bodies’ were seen on roads.

The journeys they make, Ms Mills said, are necessary to ‘complete their lifecycle’.

“We’d like to ask everyone to be aware of the migration, slow down during this time, and watch out for our toad patrollers on the road,” she added.

Prospective toad patrollers are asked to get in touch with the charity as they are looking for more.

To do so and find out more, visit www.westcumbriariverstrust.com or email jodie@westcumbriariverstrust.org.