Midnight amphibian safari
Sunday, August 10th, 2008 | Author: News Team
Land & People activist, Barry Bennett, provides us with the results of a midnight’s “amphibian safari” conducted in the depths of a Dorset garden.
Barry writes: Amongst the plants found in a leafy suburban garden in Bournemouth, a watchful pair of eyes is seen glaring hungrily at slugs and snails. The light of the torch reveals golden eyes patiently watching its prey.
This should be “the night of the amphibians”, but in this location, it’s “the night of the toads”!
As recently reported by Land & People, frogs have been suffering the effects of the upsetting of their delicate ecological balance of nature, due to pollution and the introduction of deadly diseases carried by imported species.
Fortunately, in this area, the toad has found refuge in many locations. But for how long?
The toad pictured (left), has recently started out in life. It’s a baby, not much larger than the pound coin shown.
Whether it will reach adulthood and help us rid our gardens of the unwanted slugs, snails and other pests that destroy our prized plants, is up to you!
Its habitat is under attack. It needs ponds to breed, gardens to live in and clean water. It also needs the assistance of humans who understand that there is more to life in Britain than TV and cash. Oh, and ditch the slug pellets please! If the toads aren’t happy, ultimately nor will you be. It follows that what poisons them will ultimately poison us.
The toad (left) is blissfully unaware that its existence, along with its cousins - the frogs and newts - is under attack.
Attack from the developer who knocks down family homes, fills in ponds and builds on the green belt.
Attack from the government and Establishment political parties- - who see amphibian habitats as fair game for blocks of flats and the housing estates needed to house a booming immigration-fuelled overpopulation.
Attack from GM pollutants, herbicides, pesticides and a thousand and one chemicals. The latter being responsible for the death of 90 million bees in France it is claimed.
Attack from people who live in boxes, watch boxes, and end up in boxes “ people who never take the time to find out what wildlife exists beyond their front doors.
Well amphibians do exist, and they are probably resident in a garden near you - if you are lucky to live in an environment free from the scourge of overbuilding and pollution.
Next time you are stressed out, because of increasing bills; or you are not sure which Euro zone you live in, or for any reason whatsoever; then just think how lucky you are that nature and its wonders are all around you and for free!
Maybe then you’ll start to fight for yours and our wildlife’s rights to exist in Britain “ OUR green and pleasant land.
Take a look, make sure it’s quick or you might miss a glimpse of these amazing creatures living in your very own back yard.
Our amphibians need you!
