Bellamy puts a brave face on Frogwatch
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NICHOLAS SCHOON
Environment Correspondent
Britain's schoolchildren are being asked to join a scientific quest to find out why the nation's frogs and toads are in decline. They will be asked to gather accurate information on the time when spawn, then tadpoles and finally froglets appear in their local ponds - and urged not to fall in themselves.
''Children can provide useful data,'' said Dr Fred Slater of the National Amphibian Survey, which will be scrutinising their returns. ''There aren't many who don't know what frog spawn is.''
Frogwatch, launched by the environmentalist David Bellamy at Holland Park, in west London, yesterday, is being organised by Wildlife Watch - the young people's branch of the national network of County Wildlife Trusts. Information packs are available from BHS department stores; the chain is sponsoring the survey.
There is mounting evidence that amphibian species are in world-wide decline, but scientists do not know why. Among their hypotheses are the spread of new viruses, acid rain, habitat destruction and the absorption of harmful water pollutants such as pesticides through their thin skins, which they breathe through. The numbers of common frogs and common toads still run into millions but are falling fast.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments