ONE of the best places in Britain to find the threatened Natterjack toad is among the sand dunes at Ainsdale near Southport.
The scientific name for this species is Bufo calamita and few animals have come closer to a calamity than this species.
The Natterjack differs from the common toad in several ways. It is much smaller and has a yellow line down its back. It does not hop like a toad but runs quickly -- hence its name of running road. The Natterjack is largely nocturnal and breeds in shallow pools around sand dunes. Because these pools dry up very quickly the Natterjack completes its development in around three to four weeks, whilst the common toad needs much longer.
If you are not taking your annual holiday yet why not plan a couple of day trips to the Lancashire Coastal Dunes?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article