Frogs at risk after fences protecting Muswell Hill breeding pool are vandalised

Conservationists have urged dog walkers to stop their pets disturbing a breeding pond for frogs after fences protecting the pool were repeatedly vandalised.

A frog pool was set up on the site of a disused paddling pool in Queen’s Wood in Muswell Hill three years ago and flora designed to compliment the habitat was planted last year.

But a fence that was set up to protect the pond has been damaged on a number of occasions, leaving gaps which dogs squeeze through to clamber over plants and swim in the water.

This disturbs any frog spawn that may be produced and conservationists are concerned for the pond’s future.

John Dorken, chairman of the Friends of Queen’s Wood, said: “This is the time of year frogs mate. Please do not allow you dogs to use the pond. The pool is there to enhance the wildlife.”

He criticised vandals responsible for destroying the fence saying “starkly, it amounts to criminal damage and contravenes the by-laws”.

Haringey Council confirmed it has repaired the fence on a number of occasions and has made police aware of the problem.

A spokeswoman said: “We are working closely with the Friends of Queens Wood to address issues with vandalism around the frog pool.”

Despite the problems some frogspawn were spotted in the pool last week for the first time this year.