Join a guided drawing session celebrating one of Britain’s most quietly charismatic creatures: the common toad. Found across mainland Britain, these remarkable amphibians have adapted to life in both rural and suburban landscapes. Each spring they return to their ancestral ponds to breed, laying the spawn that will become tiny toadlets as part of an age-old migration that has taken place for centuries.

Sadly, common toad numbers are believed to be declining rapidly. Road traffic, climate change, habitat loss and development all threaten their survival — and we still know surprisingly little about where amphibians go once breeding season ends.

For this special class, hosted by illustrator Jennie Webber, you’ll be guided step-by-step through drawing a toad using high-quality reference images. Jennie will start with a quick look at amphibian anatomy and share tips on capturing those iconic warty textures and expressive eyes. The session is designed for all ages and abilities, especially beginners.

The event also features guest expert Dr Silviu Petrovan, Conservation Research Manager at the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and Senior Researcher at the University of Cambridge. A self-confessed “toadologist”, Silviu will share fascinating insights into the secret lives of toads, their movements across the landscape, and what we can do to help protect them.

You’ll also hear about another PTES-supported amphibian conservation project focused on Bilbo’s rain frog, a Near Threatened species from the grasslands of South Africa.

✏️ What you’ll need:
Paper, a pencil, a sharpener and a rubber. Feel free to experiment with other materials if you like.

📩 After registering:
You’ll receive an event link, instructions and reference images ahead of time. A recording of the class will also be available afterwards so you can watch it back whenever you like.

💚 Good to know:
50% of profits from the event will be donated to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species to support their work protecting toads and frogs.

BOOK YOUR PLACE: https://wildlifedrawing.eventcube.io/events/93322/wild-life-drawing-online-toads-frogs/?utm_campaign=Run+for+PTES&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email