Common toad is becoming uncommon in UK, study shows

Species' population has almost halved in a generation and urgent action is needed to protect it, analysis finds

They are an iconic part of Britain's natural world, inspiring myths, fairytales and at least one of its most-loved children's book characters. But the number of toads hopping through British grasslands, forests and gardens has almost halved in a generation.

Vast numbers of toads are being lost every year," said Silviu Petrovan, a senior researcher at the University of Cambridge, who was lead author on the study showing just how uncommon the common toad is becoming.