On 10 December 2025, the Municipality of The Hague was awarded the title of “Toad-Friendly city of the Year.” The award, presented by the initiators of the national project Pad uit de Put (“Toad Out of the Drain”), recognises municipalities that take notable steps to make their environment safer and more suitable for amphibians. The Hague is the first municipality to receive this recognition. Alderman Robert Barker (Animal Welfare) accepted the award on behalf of the city.
Amphibians under pressure
Amphibians in the Netherlands are facing increasing pressure. The common toad, once abundant, has declined by more than 40 per cent over the past 17 years. Each year, an estimated half a million to one million amphibians become trapped in street drains across the country—an often unnoticed but significant threat that frequently ends in slow mortality.
In recent years, The Hague has taken multiple measures to reduce these risks, including the installation of small “escape ladders” that allow toads to climb out of drains independently.
According to the organisations behind the award, The Hague clearly distinguished itself this year. The jury report highlights that the city hosts substantial amphibian populations and benefits from a strong network of volunteers assisting toads during the spring migration. However, it became evident that toads were also disappearing into street drains year-round.
The municipality responded proactively. For several years, drain openings have been temporarily covered with grates during migration season. In 2022, the city began experimenting with custom-made escape ladders for rectangular drains. Over the past year, The Hague expanded this effort significantly, installing hundreds of ladders across the city to provide a permanent escape route for amphibians.
About ‘Pad uit de Put’
The award is part of Pad uit de Put, a national initiative encouraging municipalities to restore amphibian habitats and take practical measures such as creating safer crossing points and providing escape options from drains. Running from 2025 to 2028, the initiative is a collaboration between the Dutch Association for Cultural Landscapes, RAVON (Reptile, Amphibian and Fish Research of the Netherlands) and IVN Nature Education, supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery.
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