Wetland management in the Oostvaardersplassen

Southern Flevoland is the fourth polder reclaimed from the IJsselmeer. The Oostvaardersplassen is the latest and the largest of the wetland reserves in Flevoland (one of the largest in the Netherlands even) with a surface of approximately 5,600 ha. Eight ecological types of landscape, varying from a very wet zone to a dry one and from open water and wet grassland to spontaneously grown woodland, have been chosen as a basis for the long-term development. Water management and grazing are considered the most important management measures. To achieve the intended zoning, concrete measures were planned and taken. On a long-term basis a cyclic succession shows the best prospects. The dryer part outside the embankment will be managed by water level control and grazing. Although year-round grazing is the most natural measure, seasonal grazing is also still used.