Over the last century, the natterjack toad has experienced a significant decline in population and range primarily because of habitat loss and fragmentation. They are now highly protected alongside their habitat.   

Syderstone Common is one of only 60 sites in the UK where the natterjack toad is found – and one of four sites in Norfolk. Now largely restricted to coastal sand dunes, including Holme Dunes and Holkham, Syderstone is one of the few examples of an inland natterjack breeding site in the country.    

Anne Simpson-Large, Deputy Reserves Manager for West Norfolk, said: ‘We have been monitoring natterjacks at Syderstone since 1974. We follow the national recording scheme that is led by ARC (the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust) and record the number of strings of spawn each year. This tells us how many breeding females there are, and how many toadlets emerge from the ponds – so we can compare success year on year.   

‘Natterjack toads lay their spawn in 1-2m strings in temporary, shallow ponds, warmed by the sun. One clutch can contain up to 7,500 eggs. This year was record-breaking with 61 strings of spawn found and probably thousands of toadlets emerging from the ponds. The previous record was 36 in 1983!’   

As well as monitoring the toads, habitat management is key to success. Natterjacks have relatively short legs so need open terrain with sparse vegetation so they can move around. They also need access to sandy soil in which to burrow, places to shelter during the day and shallow, gravelly-bottomed pools in which to breed. Reserve staff have been known to conduct ‘rescue missions’ with tanks of water to prevent the ponds from drying up before the toadlets are ready.  

Anne adds: ‘We are delighted with the success of the natterjacks this year. However, the fact is that they are a rare species in significant decline and the population here remains incredibly vulnerable. It’s vital for visitors to always be mindful of any activity that might disturb these special creatures so they can continue to recover.’