The Hague first “Toad-Friendly City” within The Netherlands 

The Hague is awarded with 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 city to  receive this  recognition. Alderman Robert Barker (Animal Welfare) accepted the award on behalf of the city.

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.  

Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Animal Welfare, Environment) welcomed the acknowledgement: “We are pleased to be the first city to receive this title. Through  adjustments  to our public spaces, and with the support of many volunteers who help during the annual toad migration, we are working to improve conditions for amphibians and protect vulnerable species in The Hague.” 

 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.