“Toad patrols” are out helping amphibians to cross roads in the South Downs as they make their annual return to ponds to breed.

Volunteers collect toads from one side of the road and carry them to the other side in buckets, with patrols usually taking place after dusk, as most toads travel under cover of darkness.

Drivers are being urged to take care because the migration has begun earlier this year, something rangers attribute to the mild, wet weather.