Peberholm, the artificial island in the Øresund Strait, is experiencing a surge in biodiversity, with record numbers of nesting birds and flourishing plant life. This year, the island has seen an unprecedented 45 breeding pairs of birds, surpassing last year’s count by five pairs.

The island is also home to the endangered European green toad, which has expanded its breeding activity to the southern part of Peberholm after previously only breeding on the northern side.

The development of plant life is also thriving, as 12 new plant species have been identified on the island this year, including cornish saxifrage, Baltic sea rocket, hybrid golden chain, and hairy aster.

Peberholm is a crucial component of the Øresund Link, connecting a 4.05-kilometer-long tunnel and the Øresund Bridge. Constructed to facilitate the meeting point of the tunnel and bridge, the island was left untouched, allowing species to naturally migrate from Denmark and Sweden. This year, six new bird species, including the linnet and red-backed shrike, have established breeding grounds on the island for the first time.

To monitor the island’s ecological progression, the Øresund Bridge, in partnership with the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Botanical Society, has established 13 vegetation circles on Peberholm. According to Hans Orht, environmental specialist at the Øresund Bridge, these circles provide a valuable tool for tracking the evolution of nature over time, offering insights into the impact of both natural processes and conservation efforts.