Frog & Toad
Garden Wildlife
Frogs and toads are welcome amphibian neighbours, especially in gardens with a pond, damp cover and connected habitat. Adults feed on slugs, snails and insects, while their tadpoles are part of a healthy pond community. Their presence is a reassuring sign that a garden has moisture, shelter and relatively clean conditions.
How to identify it
Common frogs have smooth, moist skin, long hind legs and often leap away; adults are usually 6-9 cm long and brown, olive, grey or reddish. Common toads are stouter, roughly 8-13 cm long, with drier, warty skin and a slower walk. Both begin as eggs in water, hatch as tadpoles, develop legs and lungs, then leave the pond as froglets or toadlets before maturing.
How it helps your garden
Adult frogs and toads eat slugs, snails, beetles, flies, caterpillars and other small invertebrates, often hunting at night or in damp weather. Tadpoles graze algae and organic material, helping process nutrients in ponds. Together they reduce reliance on interventions and connect pond life with beds, borders, compost heaps and other damp garden habitats.
How to attract it
Create a small wildlife pond with gently sloping sides, native aquatic planting and an easy exit ramp. Leave surrounding long grass, leaf litter, log piles, stones and damp shade for daytime refuge. Avoid fish where possible, as they can eat spawn and tadpoles. Grow single flowers through the season, use RHS Plants for Pollinators, and avoid pesticides and slug pellets that can poison amphibians or their food.
Tips
Never collect frogspawn or tadpoles from elsewhere; let local wildlife find the pond naturally. Keep pond edges free of steep barriers and check netting. If you find a frog or toad in a dry spot, leave it nearby under cover rather than placing it directly in deep water.
Frog & Toad: frequently asked questions
How does frog & toad help the garden?
Adult frogs and toads eat slugs, snails, beetles, flies, caterpillars and other small invertebrates, often hunting at night or in damp weather.
How do I attract frog & toad to my garden?
Create a small wildlife pond with gently sloping sides, native aquatic planting and an easy exit ramp.
How do I identify frog & toad?
Common frogs have smooth, moist skin, long hind legs and often leap away; adults are usually 6-9 cm long and brown, olive, grey or reddish.
General guidance for encouraging wildlife in UK gardens. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.