Deer, frogs and rabbits can safely cross the road which runs between the Dutch towns of Hilversum and Bussum, south of Amsterdam. They use a green bridge which connects two parts of a nature reserve called the Heuvelrug, which has been split by a road and a railway. The ecoduct is 800 metres in length, making it the longest in the world.

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands opened the bridge in May 2006. The wildlife crossing has proven to be a success. It’s main users are deer, frogs, hares and rabbits. However, rare species such as badgers and pine martens also regularly scamper over the ecoduct’s sandy paths. And around 3000 people have crossed the nature bridge: by foot, by bike and by horse.

In future, more nature crossings like this one will be necessary to preserve the Heuvelrug’s wildlife, say local nature experts.