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Nature that has had a profound impact on human culture and society across history.

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Natural Histories: Toad

Toad

BBC Radio 4 - Natural Histories, Toad

Ugly, poisonous, warty Brett Westwood explores our relationship with the Toad. From 2016

"Like a bean bag with eyes", is how Brett Westwood once described a Natterjack toad ,but as he discovers in this programme  the toad is much more than a figure of fun. 

Unlike frogs, toads have long suffered from a bad press. Thomas Pennant, a Welsh naturalist described them as "The most deformed and hideous of all animals  …. its general appearance is such as to strike one with disgust and horror" in  1776, and Shakespeare didn’t do much for their PR when he had the three witches toss the toads into the charmed pot in Macbeth. 

And whilst its true that Toads have glands which contain toxic substances which deter predators, they have also been viewed  as evil spirits and a widely held belief concerned the toadstone  - a jewel that was supposed to be found inside the toad’s head, which could protect the wearer from foul play. Kenneth Grahame did his best to dispel many of these myths when he introduced his readers to the loveable  rascal Mr Toad in Wind in the Willows, although this toad terrorised everyone with his wreckless driving! This is somewhat ironic given that thousands of toads are killed every year on our roads by cars as they return to their breeding ponds. But as Brett Westwood discovers, help is at hand – as huge number of volunteers venture out every year to gather up toads from the roads and release them in nearby pools and lakes, to breed once again. All this and an encounter with the bootle organ as Brett explore our relationship with the Toad.  

Originally broadcast in a longer form 25th October 2016

Original Producer Sarah Blunt
Archive producer for BBC Audio in Bristol Andrew Dawes

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