In the UK, the most well-known amphibian is the common frog. It is a regular visitor to garden ponds across the country, and it hibernates in pond mud or under log piles.

The marsh frog, a non-native species, was introduced to the UK in the 1930s, with populations establishing in Kent and spreading to other parts of southern England. While most common in the southeast, isolated populations have been recorded further north. Unlike our native frogs, they never stray too far from water. They either are in it, or sat close to it. They are alert and wary as you approach, they will launch themselves into and plop into the water. Last August, we watched a New Forest population.

Today we returned the the same area and spotted them again.