Encouraging Frogs, Newts and Toads into the Garden:

All forms of amphibians are hugely beneficial to the garden’s ecosystem and with increasing numbers of people having their own ponds and wildlife conservation areas in their gardens, the role and position of the amphibian in the urban garden looks set to continue.

In the garden, they can be helped immensely by having a small pond where tadpoles can develop and which has at least one side with a sloping edge up to dry land. The most common varieties to be found in Britain (where there only actually resides 2 types of frog and 2 types of toad alongside 3 types of newt) you will most likely find the ‘common frog’ and ‘common toad’ whilst also fostering ‘smooth and palmate newts’. Of particular interest to the organic gardener is the fact that these animals feed on a wide range of other invertebrates and small pests, including spiders, slugs and snails. Although they feed on land however, adults and juveniles alike must have open access to water systems and sources. It is here that they will mate and lay their eggs for the new generations of amphibians. It is these eggs which hatch into tadpoles (initially feeding on the algae). The tadpoles, however, will also attack and devour insects that fall into the water and drown before developing their own legs and taking on the appearance of a frog, newt or toad.

As mentioned, this culture is most easily fostered by having sides to the pond which gradually slope up towards the edges to dry land which acts as an escape route for these young animals. Additionally, they often fall prey to small birds, so it is hugely beneficial to ensure that the pond area has plenty of vegetation for the toads and frogs to hide in and to reside during the day. Within the pond, there should ideally also be a point higher than the surface of the water – either a partially submerged log or rocks, to assist the amphibians. In the summer a lily pad may suffice, however, this should not be considered a permanent solution.

To attract these to your garden, you will need to ensure that the above criteria are met but that additionally there are natural sheltered areas for them to hibernate in during the autumn period. Newts are the most common to seek refuge in urban homes, so allow grass to cross the edge of the pond (newts lay their eggs here) and provide non-invasive aquatic plants. Log piles in the garden will provide a temporary hibernating area, as well as compost heaps, large stones and the bottom of the pond itself.

With all of this in place, the ponds should naturally attract wildlife to it. Transferring spawn or tadpoles to it from another area may very likely cause more harm than good. Frogs may contract red leg disease while you may inadvertently spread invasive pond weeds into your new pond in the transfer of water. Enjoy your new found friends and good luck with your projects.