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Hi elle
"TOD" is dialect for "fox", as in Beatrix Potter's "Tale of Mr. Tod", with A inside. I don't see the creature in knot, though.

Do you want the answer to the other? The nurse is foreign (as many are!)

ChrisE, Elle, a 'knot' is a collective name, apparently, for a group of toads.

Rusty, thanks for the 'esteemed'.

Apparently knot can be a collective term for toads

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toad

Thanks both - I thought I was quite good on collective nouns, but that one was completely new to me!

You're welcome, ChrisE. It was new to me too. I saw 'Knot' under 'Toad' in Bradford's this morning, so stuck my answer in. I investigated, did some research (ie clicked Wiki!) only when Elle mentioned the clue.

It was new to me too - just guessed that it might be the connection

Thanks, guys, for explanation of "toad"!
I would never have got that!

No I don't need the other answer, Chris, thank you....I have got it!
amaranth = bloom (def)
amah - nurse
rant - tirade

I was nearly there.......just gave up too soon, didn't I?

Well done, elle - I don't think I would have seen it so quickly without your "rant" (not literally, of course!)

Hello, Elle!
Glad you had a nice day out!
Like you, and others, I presumed "toad" without understanding why.
I knew fox/tod but that was all.
Then saw Anne Bradford had "knot" under "toad" and knew I was on the right lines. Not in my Chambers though.
(I think I have read that The Times use Collins Dictionary.)
"Ama rant h" was was a good clue, but I had just a hazy idea it was a bloom.
We live and learn!
You are doing very well at the cryptics.
More power to your elbow!

PS.
Elle, I have never heard of Denton!
Good clue got me there, though!