This well known species, despite habitat loss is present in nearly every 10 km square in the country. In Victorian times the Common frog was common and generally distributed. Over the last twenty years it has greatly benefited from the construction of garden ponds and is doing well in the urban and suburban environment. It is the most widespread amphibian in the country and constitutes 40% of the total amphibian records.

Common frogs can reach a length of 10cm (4 inches) and are variable in colour, their upper surface ranging from yellow, through dark brown to red. The last variety is relatively common in the country and should not be mistaken for orange frogs which like albino frogs, are mutations which infrequently occur in Common frog populations throughout the UK. Frogs have moist skins compared to the drier skin of toads. Frogs leap whereas toads hop and lack parotid glands behind the eyes. They have a distinctive dark patch covering the ear region. Males can be distinguished by their thicker arms and their ability to quietly croak, particularly during the breeding season. Males also have nuptial pads on their thumbs which are used in amplexus, the mating embrace.

The majority of sightings are in waterbodies but frogs have been found in woodlands, gardens and quarries. Breeding usually begins in late February/early March, frogs arriving at the smaller garden ponds up to a fortnight before their more rural counterparts. Frogs are explosive breeders with all spawn being laid over a ten day period at any one site. Recent research suggests that large numbers of spawn clumps are essential to maintain genetic viability and therefore clumps should not be removed from a pond.
Young frogs leave their ponds in June and quickly hide in the surrounding vegetation. Before the autumn frosts, frogs seek out good hiding places and go into hibernation, although a few adult males may over-winter at the bottom of ponds

Some protection under European law as to their exploitation. (EC Habitats Directive and Berne Convention)
Protection against sale, barter, advertising and transporting for sale under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 5). Under certain conditions a general licence permitting sale can be granted