The eastern part of the island is formed by the unique Boschplaat nature reserve, with high dunes, sand plains, salt marshes, swamps and a forest that arose entirely of its own accord: the Birch Valley. Since 1970, this beautiful area has been a European nature reserve. The flora and fauna of the Boschplaat are diverse. The area is home to a variety of plants, including sea lavender, dune violet, blue sea thistle, but also stemmed salt marsh and various types of orchids. In addition, it is an important breeding ground for around 70 different bird species such as curlew, spoonbill, eider duck, marsh and hen harrier and various species of gulls and terns, including the rare little tern. The rich food supply of the Wadden Sea also attracts many migratory birds to the Boschplaat every year. Butterflies including the dune fritillary and amphibians such as natterjack toad and viviparous lizard also occur on the Boschplaat. You can also encounter hares, rabbits and deer and seals find a safe place here to rest and give birth to their young. In the darkness of the night, bats and moths also become active and you can enjoy the most beautiful starry sky on the Boschplaat. It is not without reason that the area has been awarded the title 'Dark Sky Park'. During the breeding season, bird watchers watch over the Boschplaat 24/7 from mid-March to September. The various bird watchers stay at the Boschplaat for a week and are then relieved by a new team. In addition, some parts are closed to visitors from March 15 to August 15. Staatsbosbeheer regularly organizes excursions to this special area.