1st Van der Hucht School in Soest gets first Tiny Pond

This help is needed, because over the past seventeen years, the number of common toads has declined by more than 40%. The creation of Tiny Ponds provides new habitat for amphibians in built-up areas. At the same time, it brings children into contact with aquatic nature in a playful way. Tiny Ponds are part of the Toad out of the Well project, a collaboration between IVN Nature Education, RAVON and the Dutch Cultural Landscape Association.

Before the opening by alderwoman Lenneke Welschen, pupils at the school received a guest lesson about aquatic animals, biodiversity and the importance of a healthy living environment for amphibians. During and after the opening, the children also got to work around the pond themselves, for example by investigating aquatic life.

The pond in Soest is approximately 6 square metres in size and has been safely designed with fencing. Native aquatic and waterside plants were used in its construction, contributing to a healthy habitat for amphibians and other aquatic animals. The school will receive support with management in the coming period, so that the Tiny Pond can develop well and be used for a long time.

Bringing nature to the children

“Fewer and fewer children are growing up with daily contact with nature,” says Maartje Langeslag, project leader at IVN Nature Education. “Yet research shows how valuable this is for children’s development: for their motor skills, creativity and health. With a Tiny Pond, we literally bring nature to the schoolyard: the place where children come every day.”

Alderwoman Lenneke Welschen calls the pond an asset to Soest: “It may be a ‘Tiny’ Pond, but it has great significance. Here, children become acquainted with nature by experiencing it themselves. Because what you experience stays with you. The school is helping the toad and enriching the world of its pupils at the same time.”

Looking for more municipalities

Soest had the honour of being first, but more places in the Netherlands are ready to follow. Dozens of schools and childcare centres have already indicated that they also want to create a Tiny Pond on their premises.

“That is of course fantastic news,” says Langeslag. “We see that the initiative appeals to many schools. To make this possible, we are looking for municipalities—like Soest—that want to support this.” Interested municipalities can register here.