PondNet Spawn Survey 2017

Our PondNet Spawn Survey has had a really enthusiastic response.  We are really enjoying all the photos and comments people are sharing on Facebook, on Twitter, and on the survey webpage

Patrick Doyle shared this fab photo with us, capturing a very pleased looking frog with the first spawn of the season.

The Spawn Survey is part of Spawn Survey, a national volunteer survey to collect information about trends in pond quality and pond species. It’s the first habitat-based volunteer survey network of its kind. It aims to provide much-needed information about the condition of ponds and the species they support.

Louise Williams sent us this pic of frogspawn amongst Starworts with her Spawn Survey sighting.

The Spawn Survey is a simple activity that everyone can get involved with. We want to know the whereabouts of spawn of the Common Frog and Common Toad. We are running it from February to May this year, so even if you are too late to see the spawn, you can tell us about the tadpoles or adult frogs and toads you see.

Rachel Lacey sent us this lovely pic of a busy and bustling pond.

People are sharing their spawn sightings on Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag #SpawnSurvey.

Our garden pond CF23 – with frogs active today #spawnsurvey #frogspawn #NaturesCalendar pic.twitter.com/mQX2bEOYSs

— Steve Ormerod 💙 (@SteveOrmerod) February 20, 2017

Frogs seem to be liking my little pond – 4 clumps of spawn and counting @YorksARG #spawnsurvey Leeds pic.twitter.com/uFwzIO0c1h

— Kate Wright (@katewright29) February 24, 2017

So far, records are coming mainly from south west England and south Wales. This is the same pattern we see every year. As milder weather in the south and west of the country slowly spreads north and east, so the spawn sightings will too.

Spawn Survey records we received up to 26th February 2017.

Most records are of frog spawn, with only a handful of toad spawn sightings so far. Again this is following the usual pattern. Frogs start spawning earlier in the season than toads. Toads have started their journeys to breeding ponds, and we expect to hear of more toad spawn sightings in the next few weeks.

Julia Coad and Rob Parsons spotted both frog and toad spawn in their pond in Devon.

The spawning season has only just begun, so we’re expecting even more reports and photos over coming weeks. If you are out and about and spot some spawn, tell us about it!

Join the discussions on Facebook or Twitter, using #SpawnSurvey so we can find your posts.