Sighting of frogs and toads have fallen in Cheshire due to a declining number of garden ponds.

The creatures are the most commonly reported wild visitors to gardens apart from birds.

But survey results released today reveal sightings of the amphibians are drying up.

Now the RSPB is calling on people across the county and beyond to help them by getting outside this summer to create more ponds and pools in their outdoor space.

Wirral Globe:

Foxes remained one of the other most common garden visitors with one being spotted in more than 60% of gardens in Cheshire

Results from the groups annual wildlife survey - which is part of the Big Garden Birdwatch - show that frogs had been seen in more than three-quarters of gardens across Cheshire.

Despite being one of the most common non-bird garden visitors, seen at least monthly in 40% of gardens in the county, this was 15% fewer regular sightings than in 2014.

This pattern was similar for toads, who were seen in more than 20% of Cheshire outdoor spaces on a monthly basis - an alarming 23% fewer gardens than four years ago.

The survey included findings from more than 3,800 Cheshire gardens.

Dr Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientist, said: “Most people remember seeing tadpoles at the local pond or a toad emerging from under a rock while they were growing up.

"These first experiences with nature stay with us forever.

"Unfortunately, the sights and sounds of wildlife that were once common to us are sadly becoming more mysterious.

“There are lots of simple things we can all do in our outdoor spaces to make them perfect for wildlife.

"Frogs and toads are amphibious creatures meaning that they need a source of water close to their homes to survive.

"Creating a small pond in your garden, or a pool using a washing up bowl is so simple to do and could make all the difference.”

Nationally frog sightings were down from 46% in 2014 to 39%.

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Grass snakes remain as secretive as ever, says the survey

Other results revealed a small increase in the number of recorded sightings of hedgehogs.

Despite the UK population suffering widespread declines in recent decades, more than 65% of people spotted one in Cheshire gardens over the past year.

Foxes remained one of the other most common garden visitors with one being spotted in over 60% of gardens and outdoor spaces in Cheshire.

More secretive creatures such as grass snakes, red squirrels and great-crested newts escaped much of the county’s gaze.