Looks like a toad to me, in which case a cool damp place is just where he will be happy. Doesn't need a pool.

Thank you Bertie :-))

I agree ... it's a toad.

Thank you, just been out to have another look at him. He's now in a gap in the old stone wall, getting some shade. Really pleased he's come to my little back yard :-)))

:o) I hope he stays around ...

Thanks, me too. Plenty of food for him!!!

Yes a toad and a good big fat one. They only need water to spawn and there must be someone around with a suitable place. We have them in our garden and a neighbour has a pond- but how the toads get over the low concrete wall is a mystery! They will travel a long way when the call comes to return to the water in the spring. Make sure your garden is not too tidy everywhere as they like to lie up in shady damp areas like under heap of wet leaves, under a large stone etc.

Thanks Steragram, I will make sure there are some nice cool damp places and large stones / rocks.

:))
S