For years, efforts have been made to strengthen nature in the Bargerveen. This is important because the area is unique in the Netherlands. The work contributes to the preservation of the unique raised bog and to better living conditions for plants and animals. A good example is the new wildlife passage under the Kerkenweg near Weiteveen. The work on this tunnel has just been completed. Thanks to this tunnel, animals can now safely cross the road.
Safer Habitat for Reptiles
The Kerkenweg cuts through the Bargerveen, a vulnerable Natura 2000 area. For animals such as the viviparous lizard, adder, and smooth snake, the road long formed a difficult barrier. With the new wildlife passage, their habitats are reconnected.
The tunnel is 1.5 meters wide and 0.5 meters high – just large enough for reptiles to move through safely. An opening has been made in the forest edge at the entrances so that the animals can find their way to the tunnel more easily with as much warmth from sunlight as possible (which is important for reptiles). Between the road and the cycle path is an open section, allowing the animals to cross in two short stages. This increases the chance that they will use the passage.
Deputy Egbert van Dijk:
“With these kinds of measures, we ensure that animals get the space they need while maintaining the road for people. The Bargerveen is of great ecological value, and with this wildlife passage, we connect habitats that were previously separated. This way, we strengthen nature step by step.”
Why a Wildlife Passage?
According to landscape ecologist Michiel Eijkelkamp of Prolander, wildlife passages are essential for a healthy population. “They not only prevent animals from being hit by cars but especially ensure that animals can move freely between habitats. This prevents inbreeding, which can eventually lead to extinction. So it is good for the populations preservation to have this exchange.”
Bargerveen-Schoonebeek and Natural Countryside
The wildlife passage is part of the Bargerveen-Schoonebeek project, a collaboration that includes the creation of (water) buffer zones to preserve the raised bog in the Bargerveen. The project is part of the provincial Program Natural Countryside, which works on nature development throughout Drenthe. Within this project, nature is strengthened in cooperation with the Bargerveen-Schoonebeek Administrative Committee, Prolander (executing organization), Staatsbosbeheer, Waterschap Vechtstromen, Municipality of Emmen, and Nature Park Moor-Veenland.
More information can be found at www.bargerveen-schoonebeek.n
