It’s garden-tidy-up time.

Keep a look out for hibernating amphibians as you tidy up your garden ready for winter. Frogs, toads and newts will find sheltered places to hibernate in hedge bottoms, compost heaps, under stones and in log piles and are best not disturbed. Take particular care if you are planning to clear out a pond: frogs and newts will sometimes overwinter in the mud at the bottom.

There are seven species of amphibians native to Britain, four of which are UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. Three, pool frog, natterjack toad and great crested newt, are fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and you will need a licence from Natural England to even handle them. So, here is a video to help you identify any amphibian you might find in your garden this winter.