Climate change a huge threat to Formby's natterjack toads, says MP

MP Bill Esterson has pledged his support to efforts to protect the UK's largest natterjack toad population on the Sefton coast and praised the work of the National Trust in maintaining breeding grounds and habitats.

Climate change and loss of habitat threaten the species which has dwindled over the last three decades.

The results of a 31-year study were published recently, with the report stating that "the size of the natterjack toad population on the Sefton Coast remains significant in a national context but has declined in recent years and is increasingly dependent on active management to create and maintain suitable breeding sites."

The report said breeding sites, including in Formby, were at particular risk from "desiccation, due to low spring rainfall, and invasion by competitive amphibians" and that large fluctuations in the water table often resulted in the premature drying out of dune-slacks and reduced breeding success.

Formby's MP Bill Esterson met the National Trust's Kate Martin at a climate protest at Parliament recently and she raised the issue of the natterjack toad. The MP learned that climate change was likely to exacerbate the threat to the natterjack toad in the future.

Mr Esterson said: "Climate change is becoming the most significant issue we face, both in terms of the future of the human race but many individual species such as the natterjack toad which we are proud to see surviving in Formby.

"Thanks to the work of the National Trust, the natterjack toad has a fighting chance right here in Sefton."

The research, carried out by Philip Smith & Graeme Skelcher and published in The Herpetological Journal, continued: "Many former

breeding sites have become overgrown, while vegetation maturation and the development of scrub and coarse grassland have reduced the suitability of terrestrial habitat.

"Encouraging dune dynamics by removing trees and scrub, increasing areas subject to livestock grazing and mechanical rejuvenation may offer the best hope of conserving this species in the future."

The study reported that the mean adult population of Sefton natterjacks was estimated at about 1,200 individuals, with a peak of around 3,150.

The authors wrote: "Successful breeding is increasingly reliant on management to excavate appropriately designed and managed “scrapes” that hold water long enough for metamorphosis to occur. Overgrowth of vegetation and

loss of dynamism in the dune system threaten both the natural production of new breeding slacks and the natterjack’s open terrestrial habitat.

"Encouraging dune dynamics by removing trees and scrub, increasing areas subject to livestock grazing and mechanical rejuvenation may offer the best hope of conserving this species in the future."

Mr Esterson said: "Thanks to the dedication and hard work of staff at the National Trust in Formby, the natterjack toad has a chance to thrive and I very much hope that all their work pays off and we start to see an increase in the numbers of this species.

"I enjoy walking in the Pinewoods at the National Trust Formby along with thousands of local people. We are very fortunate to have such a fabulous environment on our doorstep. And because we are so fortunate, we all have a responsibility as custodians of our environment including looking after rare species like the toad. That's why I know that so many local people are proud of our area and fully support the excellent work of the National Trust in Formby."