An Unusual Year for Amphibians

I have had little success in hunting for frog spawn this year and I wondered whether the general absence is something that has been observed elsewhere. According to the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust 2026 has been unusual.                               https://www.arc-trust.org/​

​.In 2026, the breeding timing for frogs and toads has continued a long-term trend of starting earlier due to increasingly mild and wet winters. However, specific local patterns vary significantly across the UK based on regional weather fluctuations. 

Current Breeding Trends

• Early Starts in the South: The first frogspawn of the 2026 season was recorded as early as 11 December 2025 in Cornwall, reinforcing the pattern that breeding begins in the South West before spreading north and east.
• Frogs vs. Toads: Common frogs typically breed first, with many spawning in January and February. Common toads generally follow a few weeks later, with peak migrations often occurring around mid-February (Valentine's Day).
• Staggered Migration: While some areas saw "explosive" toad migrations in February, others have experienced a more drawn-out season due to intermittent cold spells. 
  Amphibian and Reptile Conservation +6

Environmental Factors This Year

• Climate Influence: Biologists note that a rise in average temperatures between January and March can bring forward spawning by roughly five days. Mild winters encourage amphibians to emerge earlier, though this carries the risk of spawn freezing during subsequent "cold snaps".
• Regional Differences: Breeding is currently widespread as of March 2026. In the cooler north and east, migration occurs later than in the warmer southern regions.
• Toad Patrol Data: Organizations like Froglife have reported record numbers of volunteer "Toad Patrols" assisting with these migrations, which are often concentrated on mild, damp evenings.                                                                                

So it is not surprising that by mid March there was little frog spawn left. If there had been any in a pond then the eggs would have hatched or been eaten.