Come help with my frog spawn/tadpole query!

[nnibnabs]

A frog has laid spawn in our overflow drain. Theres masses of it, in hardly in any water so its exposed to the air. I've temporarily moved it into a bucket of tap water as don't know what the law is on moving frog spawn now. I heard its illegal to move it, but obviously don't want to leave it in a drain where it'll shrivle and die, so will put it in friends pond.
Any advice on this one?
And would it be ok to take some into my DSs school for them to watch develop?
Help!

I don't think it's illegal

I think it's advised against because of transfer of associated plant life (maybe non-native invasive stuff). However you've got a clear-cut case of having to move it as it's move or die! Doesn't sound as though you;ll be moving any plant life with it

Your ds's school would have to have a pond, though.

I think moving toad spawn may be illegal though - some toads are protected species

How would you tell the difference between frog and toad spawn ?

It is pretty hardy stuff by the way (frog anyway ,I have no idea about toad) So should be fine

Its illegal to move it without permission, they are a protected species. tap water may not have done it much good, but better than leaving it to die.

transferring to a friends pond is a good idea as is school if they have a pond. put it in a jar with some "natural" or rain water, then immerse the jar (drill holes in lid) in the pond for an hour or so before tipping it in so that the temperature adjusts.

actually exposure to the air at this stage is ok, its when they form tadpoles that they need water.

Thanks for replies. Its only just gone into tap water, so hopefully hasn't done to much harm School has pond, so will prob take it there. Its a massive amount, about the size of a football so won't fit in a jam jar. Will have to tip it in and hope for the best I think.

Toadspawn looks like a string necklace and is smaller than frogspawn.

bucket then. you can split it, but its pretty difficult

Thanks Tamarto

Sorry but I keep imagining flashing blue lights and riot police turning up if I dare to move some frog spawn

For what it's worth, I've double checked with DEFRA and it is not illegal to move toad or frog spawn in the UK.

They don't advise it because of the risk of spreading red-leg disease but to be honest the spawn in the drain needed a bit of help!