What species is this?

[tgampper]

It is most likely the common toad (Bufo bufo). There are only a couple of toad species native to Great Britain, the other species is a Natterjack toad (Epidalea (formerly Bufo) calamita. The Natterjack has a distinct stripe running down the center of it's back.

[John]

100% it's Bufo bufo, the Common Toad. I don't just think it's fat - I think it has some kind of metabolic problem or an organ issue. Hopefully I'm wrong about that. They are quite capable of climbing but if the wall is sheer then it likely found a way around or under it as the others described.

It should be pretty safe from cats and foxes. It produces distasteful fluid if anything tries to bite it. Things like hedgehogs are more of a danger because they will avoid the skin and just eat the insides. Still, that toad didn't get so big without some good survival skills. I wouldn't worry about it.

[toadysfriends]

thank you for the super quick responses! a Bufo Bufo, who would have thought (well obviously not me but I have no idea about toads!). Glad you found him easy to identify. I hope his belly is ok, but like you said, he must know how to look after himself if he's got to that size.

thank you!

[John]

The only other Bufo species in UK is as was said, Bufo calamita and they have a very restricted distribution. On top of that, they look nothing like a Common Toad. So if you find a toad in Britain it's hard to mix them up. I used to chase these guys every spring in Bristol when I was at University there.