Activists say hundreds have been trampled by previous cross-country races near pond
Published onMon 30 Mar 2020 06.00 BST
The cancellation of a series of cross-country running races in West Yorkshire because of coronavirus has apparently saved hundreds of migrating toads from being squashed underfoot.
A toad protection group said hundreds of the amphibians have been trampled by fell runners in previous years.
The popular races take place close to a pond where the toads mate, the group said.
The races, known as “bunny runs”, are hosted by the Wharfedale Harriers and had been due to take place in April during the evening.
Sue Patchett, leader of the Riddlesden Toad Patrol, said many toads have been trampled underfoot in previous years. She had been recruiting new marshals to help rescue vulnerable toads during this year’s run.
Patchett has done toad patrolling in Riddlesden for 15 years. “I used to do it by myself but five years ago I formed a group and there’s now approximately 10 to 15 of us,” she said.
“Every spring when darkness falls, hundreds of toads embark on their migration down from gardens on the hillside in Riddlesden and they head downwards towards the canal.
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