Overview

The common frog is Britain's most widespread amphibian, found in gardens, ponds, and woodland across the country. In spring, frogs migrate to breeding ponds — sometimes crossing roads in numbers — and lay clumps of spawn that swell into clouds of tadpoles by April.

Frogs are voracious predators of slugs and insects, making them welcome garden guests. They hibernate through winter in compost heaps, log piles, and pond mud, slowing their metabolism until warmth returns.

Habitat

Garden ponds, farm ditches, woodland pools, and moorland lochans across the UK suit common frogs. They need freshwater for breeding but spend much of the year foraging on land in damp vegetation.

Countries found

Common Frog in United Kingdom

Interesting facts

01
Common frogs hibernate underwater — breathing through their skin.
02
Tadpoles take about 12 weeks to metamorphose into froglets.
03
Frogs absorb water through their skin rather than drinking.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Common frogs are Least Concern in the UK but declining in some areas from pond loss, road mortality during spring migrations, and disease. Garden ponds are increasingly important habitat.