‘You want them to have a fighting chance’: the world of toading

The fatality rate for frogs and toads crossing Charlcombe Lane is now down to 3% (from 60%) since the volunteers started the rescue. Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/The Guardian

It’s slow-moving but time flies. It’s meditative and weirdly exhausting. There’s jeopardy, exhilaration and the awakening of powerful protective feelings. And, on a good night, there’s cold rain trickling down the back of your neck.

Welcome to the world of toading, where endangered amphibians are rescued from lethal roads as they make their annual nocturnal pilgrimage to their mating grounds.