Volunteers who spent weeks helping migrating toads safely cross roads near Llandegla say they are “heartbroken” after discovering the reservoir the animals were heading towards has been drained.
The group, which has been running toad patrols across Wrexham, Brymbo and Llandegla, say they helped save 1,480 toads during this year’s migration season.
The amphibians were making their annual journey to Nant-y-ffrith reservoir to breed after emerging from hibernation.
But organisers say the reservoir has now been emptied by water company Hafren Dyfrdwy, raising fears for the survival of the population.
Coordinator Becky Phoenix said: “Having visited the reservoir I can confirm that it has been drained.
“To say I’m devastated is an understatement. For the past eight weeks toads have been migrating towards the reservoir to breed. This year our volunteers have saved 1,480 toads who should now be spawning in the water.”
She added that the group is preparing to make a formal complaint and has urged supporters to “hold fire” while this is done.
Fellow organiser Ella Naomi said the situation had left volunteers shocked, particularly after the scale of the community effort this year.
“Myself, Teri and Becky and all of our volunteers are absolutely heartbroken,” she said.
“We made great progress with many volunteers risking ourselves on that busy road for this to happen.
“I am deeply saddened by the lack of care or consideration for the amphibians and ground dwellers. We went to look and there was no sign of life at all.”
Ella added that toads are listed as a priority species under the Environment (Wales) Act.
“All life deserves life,” she said. “We need to raise awareness and work together so that this does not happen again.”
The patrols had seen a surge in support this year, with dozens of volunteers turning out at dusk wearing high-visibility clothing and using torches and buckets to help toads safely cross busy roads.
The group say their efforts had resulted in four times more toads being saved than last year, making the news even harder to take.
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A Hafren Dyfrdwy spokesperson said: “We understand how concerning this situation is for the local community and we’re very sorry to hear about what’s been reported.
“The work at Nant-y-Ffrith is essential to ensure this critical operational reservoir remains safe now and for the future, and continues to meet strict safety requirements. We’re currently reviewing what has occurred alongside our ecologists on site today.
"Whilst we’re in the process of fully understanding the situation, we’re committed to working closely together with the community to identify ways to put things right for the future - while continuing this important work to protect the safety of the reservoir for the wider community.”
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