The eastern part of the island is formed by the unique nature reserve of the Boschplaat, with high dunes, sandy plains, salt marshes, swamps and a forest that has developed all by itself: the Berkenvallei. This beautiful area has been a European nature reserve since 1970. The flora and fauna on the Boschplaat are diverse. The area is home to a variety of plants, including sea lavender, dune violet, blue sea holly, but also stalked sea purslane and various types of orchids. It is also an important breeding ground for around 70 different bird species such as skylark, wheatear, curlew, spoonbill, eider duck, marsh harrier and various types 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 butterfly and amphibians such as the natterjack toad and viviparous lizard also occur on the Boschplaat. You can also encounter hares, rabbits and deer, and seals find a safe place 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 of ‘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 on the Boschplaat for a week and are then replaced by a new team. In addition, some parts are closed to visitors from 15 March to 15 August. Staatsbosbeheer regularly organises excursions to this special area.