Frequently asked questions

The breeding seasons for the most common amphibians are approximately:

• Common frog: mid January - mid April 
• Common toad: early February - early May 
• Smooth newt: early April - early August 
• Palmate newt: early April - early August

Please note: The actual timing of mating and spawning is very variable, since it depends on the weather conditions. There may be several months’ difference in the timing of frogs spawning in different parts of the country.  For example, in Cornwall frogspawn can be seen from the end of December and January, whereas in Newcastle it’s probably not seen until the end of March or early April.
 
Despite these differences, generally speaking:

• frogspawn normally hatch from early March to late April
• tadpoles grow legs during May
• common frogs (and toads) leave the water from June to July. 

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) has more information on species of these animals living in the UK.

Other useful information:

Caring for amphibians and reptiles as non-domestic pets

Dead frogs in a pond

Filling in a garden pond

Frogs and toads

Ice on a garden pond

Pond overcrowded with amphibians

Too much frogspawn in a pond