Natterjack Toads, Mawbray

Natterjack Toads are an endangered species of toads, half their population live in a part of the Solway Coast called Mawbray where we have done our Family John Muir Award.

Natterjack Toads have a long yellow line across their back which makes them easy to recognise.

In warmer evenings the males gather around the sides of the ponds and make a loud croaking noise with their throats to attract females and this makes them Britain's loudest amphibians.

Their toad spawn in found in long lines rather than clumps like frogspawn.

In the winter the toads burrow into the sand and make dens to stay underground while the cold weather is there, and then they come back out in the spring to mate.

Mawbray nature reserve has built ponds that are specialised for the Natterjack Toads, the ponds include shallow water and sandy banks to make the perfect habitat for the Natterjack toads.

By Shanti, Age 10