Fireman in frog rescue drama (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fireman in frog rescue drama

FIREMEN from Stroud have appealed for help in saving the lives of some tiny amphibian friends.

Members of the town's Black Watch have spent years looking after a group of newts and frogs which breed in the station grounds every summer.

They live in a water site intended for the service to use as a practice area.

However, as the wildlife inhabits the water from April to October, firefighters are unable to use it for most of the year.

Now the brigade wants to cement over the water pit but Black Watch have insisted a pond should be built for the baby amphibians before their home is destroyed.

Firefighter Andy Cunningham said: "The pit is a real breeding ground - a haven of activity. "We don't need it for practice because there are so many other water sites in Stroud.

"We have got nothing against the brigade covering over the pit, but we want to create a natural habitat for the hundreds of baby newts and frogs.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has a knowledge of pond-building."

For years firefighters have been helping young frogs to escape from the pit by lowering planks into the water.

On dry days, said Andy, their suckers get caught on the planks, so the men make little boats for the creatures and fill the pit with water.

They can then escape into the nearby brook.

It is illegal to move frogs and newts, he added, so the pond will be built in the Autumn.

The team has the support of English Nature and the RSPCA.

Anyone who wants to help should contact Andy Cunningham, Snowy Jones or Steve Ind on 01453 763631.