AMOROUS amphibians take HART - a sure way to safe sex is sign-posted for when the action begins after dark.

HART (Herefordshire Amphibian and Reptile Team) has put up warning signs on the road toads are crossing to reach Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve.

With spawning season underway hundreds of toads are heading for the lake, which is a major breeding site, but the road crossing kills many first, well over 200 so far by HART's first carcass count.

The problem is particularly acute at night when the nocturnal creatures normally make their move, and at Bodenham there is an aggravating factor - the road runs parallel to the wood where many toads hibernate.

Then toads get side-tracked on reaching the road said HART's Will Watson. "It is an excellent place to hunt the insects on which they feed," he said.

What's happening at Bodenham reflects a wider national nature issue. HART's answer lies in working with Herefordshire Council's parks and countryside service in putting up the Toad Crossing signs to warn drivers to take care.

The scheme may soon be extended to other parts of the county.

Long term, the possibility of specially made hibernation sites closer to breeding grounds is being considered said Herefordshire Council countryside ranger Tom Green.