The municipality will address 78 locations in the city with new wildlife facilities. Examples include tunnels under roads, small tunnels for frogs and toads, and places where animals can safely climb out of water.
This plan will work in the coming years to improve connections for animals between green areas. This contributes to stronger and healthier nature.
This approach stems from a so-called fragmentation plan recently adopted by the municipality. Alderman Evelien Kostermans says about this: “With this fragmentation plan, we literally give animals more space to live safely and move around. By better connecting our green areas, we strengthen biodiversity and make Tilburg greener and more animal-friendly.”
Obstacles
Over the years, (urban) nature has increasingly been interrupted by roads, railways, bike paths, and the Wilhelminakanaal. For many animals, roads and other connections are a major obstacle. For example, they may find it difficult to leave their habitat to search for food or find a mate.
Biodiversity
By better connecting green areas, larger and stronger groups of animals emerge. This is good for biodiversity. It also helps reduce the number of animals hit by vehicles.
The municipality aims to address about 6 locations per year on average. Step by step, a better connected urban nature can be developed.
In the municipality of Tilburg, wildlife facilities have already been installed before, including at the Wilhelminakanaal and in the Dongevallei. These are well used. This video on YouTube shows the animals using these facilities.