WHERE are the best ditches for frogs and toads? Fenland s drainage ditch project officer Cliff Carson is hoping for some answers. He is particularly interested to hear about any farm ditches or drainage board drains where frogs or toads have been seen spa

WHERE are the best ditches for frogs and toads? Fenland's drainage ditch project officer Cliff Carson is hoping for some answers.

He is particularly interested to hear about any farm ditches or drainage board drains where frogs or toads have been seen spawning this year.

Mr Carson said: "Frogs and toads are excellent indicators of good quality wetland habitat. Garden ponds have taken over from ditches as favoured breeding areas for frogs but it is important to ensure that populations in drains and ditches are also conserved.

"A ditch that has frogs or toads breeding is also likely to be good for other wildlife such as dragonflies, water voles or interesting plants. Any reports of locations where people have seen frogs or toads spawning other than garden ponds will be of interest as it gives a good indication of areas that deserve special consideration when their management is required."

Mr Carson would welcome news of sightings from anywhere in the Fens between the Nene Washes and the Ouse Washes and from Wisbech in the north to St Ives in the south. He can be contacted at the Middle Level Office, 6 Deerfield Road, March, on 01354 602902 or be e-mailed at cliffcarson@fen-ditches.co.uk