Survey results released today reveal that sightings of the UK's garden amphibians are drying up.

Results from the RSPB’s wildlife survey, which is part of the Big Garden Birdwatch, show that frogs had been seen in more than three-quarters of gardens across the UK.

Despite being the most common non-bird garden visitor, seen at least monthly in close to 40% of gardens, this was 17% fewer regular sightings than the last time they were surveyed in 2014 when they were observed monthly in around 46% of gardens.

This pattern was similar for toads who were seen in 20% of our outdoor spaces on a monthly basis, an alarming 30% fewer gardens than the 28 % of gardens in 2014. The survey included results from more than 174,000 UK gardens.

At a quick glance a nature novice may not be able to spot the difference between a frog and a toad. Frog’s hop, their skin is smooth and moist and they have a pointed nose, whilst a toad’s crawls, their skin is warty and dry and their noses are rounded – almost semi-circular in shape.

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.”

Other results from the survey revealed a small increase in the number of recorded sightings of hedgehogs. Despite the UK population suffering widespread declines in recent decades, 65% of people spotted one in their gardens over the past year.

Foxes remained one of the other most common garden visitors with one being spotted in 72% of our gardens and outdoor spaces, while more secretive creatures such as moles, red squirrels and great-crested newts escaped much of the nation’s gaze.