When Deutsche Bahn carries out construction or maintenance work in natural areas, it ensures appropriate ecological compensation. For example, during the relocation of a freight line in Opladen, DB created habitats for the local population of natterjack toads.

This strictly protected species in Germany prefers open, dry, sandy habitats. On a four-hectare site, Deutsche Bahn created sand and stone piles as well as ponds for spawning. Tree stumps and heaps of stones also serve as new refuge areas and winter shelters for the natterjack toads. To prevent the toads from returning to the construction site, special amphibian protection fences were installed around the site.