STOP!!! - Why You Shouldn’t Move or Sell It
Every spring, we get the same question:
“Where can I buy frogspawn for my pond?”
We completely understand the excitement. You’ve built your pond, it looks great, now you’re hoping frogs will show up and make it their home. But before you search online or accept spawn from a neighbour, here’s why that’s not the right approach and what to do instead.
At Plants for Ponds, we don’t sell frogspawn. We never have, and never will — and here’s exactly why.
It’s Illegal to Buy or Sell Frogspawn in the UK
First things first: selling or trading frogspawn, toadspawn, or any native amphibians is illegal in the UK. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects these species, making it an offence to sell or offer them for sale.
This applies whether it's a commercial seller or someone giving away spawn via social media. If you spot frogspawn being sold online, you can report it to Froglife.org, the UK charity focused on amphibian and reptile conservation.
Moving Spawn Can Spread Deadly Disease
Even if your intentions are good, moving frogspawn between ponds is risky. It’s one of the main ways amphibian diseases spread in the UK.
Two major threats are:
Ranavirus, which causes internal bleeding and sudden deaths in frogs
Chytrid fungus, a global fungal infection that’s devastated amphibians worldwide
The problem isn’t just the spawn itself. These pathogens can hitch a ride on water, plants, mud, even the bucket or net used to collect them. Once introduced, they can wipe out all local frogs, toads and newts. And there’s no way to undo the damage.
Frogs Lay Lots of Spawn for a Reason
It might seem brutal, but frogs and toads lay hundreds — sometimes thousands — of eggs because they’re not all supposed to survive. Their eggs and tadpoles support a whole food web: newts, birds, beetles and more.
Trying to “rescue” spawn or move it around interferes with that system. It might feel kind, but it often does more harm than good.
Found Spawn in a Drying Puddle?
It’s one of the hardest things to witness — frogspawn in a shallow puddle as the water disappears. But even here, nature has its logic.
Frogs often lay in temporary pools, knowing many won’t succeed. Those eggs still feed other species and a few may even survive. Moving spawn risks spreading disease and disrupting local genetics. It’s better to let nature take its course and focus on improving your own pond for next season.
Why We Don’t Sell Frogspawn
Selling frogspawn has never been part of what we do — and it never will be!
We focus on helping nature do the work itself, by supporting natural colonisation.
If your pond is suitable, frogs and toads will find it. They’re widespread across the UK and excellent at locating clean, safe breeding ponds - just be patient!
Want Frogs? Build the Right Pond
If you’re dreaming of frogs, you don’t need to buy spawn — you need the right environment.
Start by making your pond fish-free. Fish love to eat frogspawn and tadpoles. Then make sure you have shallow shelves or sloped edges, so frogs can easily get in and out. Add dense marginal planting around the pond to offer cover and shelter, this is especially important when froglets start to leave the water.
A few great plants to start with include:
-
Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides) – a low-growing native with lovely blue flowers that provides brilliant cover
-
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) – one of the first to flower in spring, offering shade, colour and shelter
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) – spreads gently across pond edges and creates damp hiding spots for amphibians
Beyond the pond itself, leave a few leaf piles, logs, or overturned pots nearby. Damp, messy corners are perfect hideaways for amphibians moving between water and land.
Here are some species-specific blogs to help you fine-tune your setup:
- Get Your Pond Ready for Frogs & Toads
- How to Make Your Pond Newt Friendly
Each amphibian has different needs — so if you want to go further, these guides will help you support them better.
Be Patient — Frogs Will Find You
It can be hard to wait, especially when you’ve just built a pond. But give it time. Amphibians are already out there and if your pond is safe, still and well planted, they’ll come.
When you choose not to buy or move frogspawn, you’re doing the right thing for wildlife. Instead of quick fixes, you’re helping build a healthy, lasting ecosystem.
Any questions - just email us!
