SPECIAL ladders are being used to keep frogs and toads safe at a Scottish substation.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) installed the ladders to protect the amphibian community at its Mybster Substation, after a number of “frog rescues” had to be carried out.
The substation is being extended as part of the Caithness-Moray project. No frogs or toads were recorded prior to the work, but a new drainage system and pond attracted them.
A local wildlife expert was asked to help find a solution to the creatures falling into cable trenches and gully pots.
Trevor Rose, secretary of the British Herpetological Society, designed and installed specialist ladders to allow them to escape and fitted a solid plastic “reptile” fence around the pond.
He said: “This is a great initiative by SSEN. Common frogs and toads are considered widespread species and not actually protected by law except against collection for sale and trade. However, we have seen declines in local amphibian populations all over the country, mostly attributed to hazards created by man.”
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