The success of 22 artificial egg-laying sites for sand lizards was studied in the province of Overijssel. In four heathlands with small sand lizard populations and a low availability of open sand, 22 small artificial egg-laying sites (3 X 3 metres) were created by hand by a group of volunteers. The sites were cleared of all vegetation and the humus layer and the resulting yellow sand was loosened. After two years 59% of the created patches contained hatched eggs. Juvenile lizards were also seen in the immediate icinity of the plots. In each of the four heathlands used plots (containing egg shells) were found. It is concluded that creating plots with bare sand can help the sand lizard in areas where suitable egg-laying sites are scarce or not available. However, intensive management of the open patches is needed every two to three years, because fast encroachment with lichens and grasses takes place. The high acceptance of the created patches is an encouragement to continue creating and maintaining patches of open sand in these and other heathlands