Cross Nature helps amphibians during migration (Completed project)
Amphibians are not doing well in the Netherlands. Even the common toad, once abundant, is in rapid decline. Habitat loss, climate change, and busy roads that must be crossed during toad migration... it's not making things any easier for frogs, salamanders, and toads.
The Association for Village and Nature in Leersum is adressing this and needed help. For 29 years, volunteers have been working to transfer toads, frogs, and salamanders to the other side of the road. During the toad migration, amphibians head towards breeding waters. In Leersum, they have to cross a road with heavy traffic and high speeds. Every year, volunteers create a path along which buckets and amphibian screens are placed. This prevents the animals from entering the road. In the morning and evening, the volunteers check the buckets for amphibians. Then, the animals are safely transferred to the other side of the road.
Every year, the volunteers had to re-erect the barriers after the toad migration. It's an incredible job! There was a strong desire to create a permanent path with sturdy barriers that would last for years. Cross Nature found this such a wonderful initiative that they, along with other sponsors, raised the necessary funds to create a permanent toad trail with sturdy posts and screens made from 100% recycled materials that the amphibians will enjoy for years to come... and, of course, the volunteers too!
2255 Amphibians were safely transported across the road in 2024. The highest number of amphibians in 29 years.
In addition, the many manholes pose a danger to amphibians. Once they fall in, they can't get out. But now there's a solution: the toad ladder. This ladder is attached to the manhole, allowing toads to climb out on their own. Cross Nature contributed to the purchase and installation of ladders in many manholes within the municipality of Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Watch this touching video from the Ravon Research Institute:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7yOJZON2BU