New 'tunnels' offer animals safe passage to Utrecht Science Park UU

From this week onwards, hedgehogs, toads, badgers and other animals will be able to cross safely between Utrecht Science Park and Fort Rhijnauwen and the surrounding area. In collaboration with Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, the municipality of Utrecht is constructing two new wildlife passages under the Rijnsoever and Zandlaan: tunnels that allow animals to move safely between the Science Park and the surrounding nature.  

In addition to the wildlife passages, ecological corridors external link will also be created at Utrecht Science Park this year. Together, they form a network of green routes that enhances biodiversity and makes the area more attractive to animals and plants.  
 
Dorinne Raaimakers, biodiversity programme manager: ‘For small mammals, a normal road poses a great danger. With the new wildlife passages, the municipality is creating safe routes under the asphalt. These are small interventions with a big impact: the quality of life for the local fauna will immediately improve.’ 

The wildlife passage between the USP and the Oostbroek estate, constructed by the municipality of De Bilt in 2024.

Earlier, in the autumn of 2024, the municipality of De Bilt already constructed a wildlife passage between the Oostbroek estate and Utrecht Science Park. This connects the efforts of Utrechts Landschap for species such as the weatherfish and northern crested newt with those of Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ on the other side of the road.  

More space for plants and animals  

The wildlife passages are in line with the university's plan to strengthen biodiversity on its own grounds and connect it with the surrounding area. Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ is making the Science Park greener and richer in water, with nature-friendly banks and ecologically managed verges and meadows. This creates more living space for plants and animals. The goal is for twenty guide species external link to settle here permanently by 2035. To this end, the university is collaborating with the municipalities of Utrecht, Bunnik and De Bilt, Utrechts Landschap, Staatsbosbeheer, the Dassenwerkgroep Utrecht and the province of Utrecht.  

Want to know more about our ambitions?  

Read the full background story: Restoring local biodiversity, how do you do that?