Fears for England’s frog and toad population after drought

Rare natterjack toads have been struggling due to changing weather patterns, with populations devastated. Photograph: Arterra Picture Library/Alamy

Frog and toad populations in England have been devastated by climate breakdown, conservationists fear, after the drought dried up their breeding ponds last year.

Usually at this time of year, ponds are full of jelly-like frog and toadspawn. But conservationists have found the habitats to be bare, with no amphibians or their young to be seen.