The artificial island of Peberholm in the Øresund Strait is experiencing a surge in biodiversity, particularly among breeding birds and the European green toad. Record numbers of nesting birds have been observed this year, accompanied by the expansion of the endangered European green toad’s habitat.

This year, 45 breeding bird species have been recorded, surpassing last year’s count by five. In addition to the thriving bird population, the European green toad, an endangered amphibian, has expanded its breeding activity to the southern part of Peberholm.

The island, a component of the Øresund Line – which also includes a 4.05-kilometer tunnel and the Øresund Bridge – was created as a connector between the tunnel and the bridge, utilizing excavated materials from the tunnel construction. Since its creation, species from Denmark and Sweden have naturally migrated to the island.

Six new bird species, including the linnet and the red-backed shrike, nested on the island for the first time this year.

The island’s plant life is also flourishing. Twelve previously unrecorded plant species, such as mossy saxifrage, Baltic searocket, hybrid goldenchain, and hairy starwort, have been identified.

To monitor the island’s ecological development, Øresundsbroen, in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Botanical Society, has established 13 vegetation monitoring circles on Peberholm.

Hans Orht, an environmental specialist at Øresundsbron, stated that these vegetation circles provide a new means to track the progression of nature over time, offering crucial insights into the impact of both natural processes and conservation efforts.