Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ THE NETHERLANDS

EDUARD OSIECK

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, a key species at coastal IBAs in the Netherlands. (PHOTO: RSPB)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION situated below sea-level, which are drained by a dense network of ditches, canals, reservoirs and pumping engines. Coastal defence The Netherlands are situated at the delta of the rivers Rhine (Rijn), consists of coastal dunes, sea walls (dykes) and barrages. The Maas and Schelde, forming much of the North Sea coast of Netherlands has 106 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), covering continental Europe. The country covers 49,443 km² of which 15% 11,600 km² and equalling 24% of the country’s total area although comprises open water (inshore waters, lakes and rivers). The area only 8% of the total land surface is covered by IBAs (Table 1, Map 1). excluding territoral sea (i.e. sea within 12 nautical miles) is The ‘original’ pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and 40,588 km². About half of the country consists of embanked polders Jones 1989) identified 70 IBAs in the Netherlands, of which six

Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands. 106 IBAs covering 11,600 km2 IBA National 1989 code code1 code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 001 NL0010 NL001 Wadden Sea Waddenzee Groningen, Friesland, 233,855 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C2, C3, C4 Noord-Holland 002 NL0021 NL002 Texel: Schorren and Zeeburg Texel: De Schorren en Zeeburg Noord-Holland 1,600 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 003 NL0022 NL002 Texel: Dunes and Hors Texel: Duinen en De Hors Noord-Holland 3,850 A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C6 004 NL0030 NL003 Vlieland Vlieland Friesland 2,740 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 005 NL0040 NL004 Griend Griend Friesland 100 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 006 NL0051 NL005 Terschelling: De Boschplaat Terschelling: De Boschplaat Friesland 4,400 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 007 NL0052 NL005 Terschelling: Dunes and Noordvaarder Terschelling: Duinen en Noordvaarder Friesland 4,320 C6 008 NL0060 NL006 Ameland: Duinen-Oerd Ameland: Duinen-Oerd Friesland 3,150 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 009 NL0070 NL007 Engelsmanplaat Engelsmanplaat Friesland 720 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 010 NL0080 NL008 Schiermonnikoog Schiermonnikoog Friesland 2,800 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 011 NL0091 NL009 Rottumerplaat Rottumerplaat Groningen 782 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4, C6 012 NL0092 NL009 Rottumeroog Rottumeroog Groningen 311 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 013 NL0100 NL013 Balgzand Balgzand Noord-Holland 6,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 014 NL0110 NL012 Frisian Wadden Sea coast Friese waddenkust Friesland 9,310 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 015 NL0120 NL011 Lauwersmeer Lauwersmeer Groningen, Friesland 7,820 A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 016 NL0130 NL010 Groningen Wadden Sea coast Groningse waddenkust Groningen 4,600 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 017 NL0140 NL014 Dollard Dollard Groningen 6,400 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 018 NL0150 — North Sea north of the Wadden Sea Noordzee benoorden de Wadden Groningen, Friesland, 187,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C2, C3, C4, C6 Noord-Holland 019 NL0160 NL039 Zwanenwater Zwanenwater Noord-Holland 600 B1i, B2, C2 020 NL0171 NL046 Voordelta Voordelta Zuid-Holland, Zeeland 107,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4

465 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands. 106 IBAs covering 11,600 km2 IBA National 1989 code code1 code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 021 NL0172 — Westplaat Westplaat Zuid-Holland 350 B1i, B3, C3, C6 022 NL0173 NL046 Voornes Duin Voornes Duin Zuid-Holland 1,130 B1i, B2, C2, C3 023 NL0174 NL046 Kwade Hoek Kwade Hoek Zuid-Holland 430 B1i, B2, C2, C6 024 NL0180 NL047 Haringvliet Haringvliet Zuid-Holland 10,900 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 025 NL0190 NL047 Hollands Diep Hollands Diep Noord-Brabant, 4,300 A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 Zuid-Holland 026 NL0200 NL048 Lake Volkerak Volkerakmeer Noord-Brabant, 6,300 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 Zuid-Holland, Zeeland 027 NL0210 NL049 Grevelingen Grevelingen Zuid-Holland, Zeeland 13,580 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 028 NL0220 NL050 Oosterschelde Oosterschelde, incl. inlagen Zeeland 36,880 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 029 NL0230 NL050 Zoommeer Zoommeer Noord-Brabant, Zeeland 930 B1i, B3, C2, C3, C6 030 NL0240 NL050 Markiezaat Markiezaat Noord-Brabant, Zeeland 2,030 B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 031 NL0250 NL051 Lake Veersemeer Veerse Meer Zeeland 3,010 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 032 NL0260 NL052 Westerschelde and Saeftinghe Westerschelde en Saeftinghe Zeeland 50,800 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 033 NL0270 NL053 Zwin (Dutch part) Het Zwin (excl. Belgische deel) Zeeland 128 C7 034 NL0280 NL030 Lake IJsselmeer IJsselmeer Friesland, Flevoland, 109,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 Noord-Holland 035 NL0281 NL016 Makkumer- and Kooiwaard Makkumer- en Kooiwaard Friesland 1,740 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 036 NL0282 NL016 Workumerwaard Workumerwaard Friesland 1,320 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C2, C3, C4, C6 037 NL0283 NL019 Steile Bank and Mokkebank Steile Bank en Mokkebank Friesland 4,270 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 038 NL0290 NL030 Lake Markermeer Markermeer Flevoland, 69,700 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 Noord-Holland 039 NL0300 — Lake Ketelmeer Ketelmeer Overijssel, Flevoland 3,750 A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 040 NL0310 NL028 Lake Zwartemeer Zwarte Meer Overijssel, Flevoland 2,180 A4iii, B1i, C2, C4, C6 041 NL0320 — Lake Drontermeer Drontermeer Overijssel, Gelderland, 640 A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Flevoland 042 NL0330 NL032 Lake Veluwemeer Veluwemeer Gelderland, Flevoland 3,390 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 043 NL0340 NL032 Lake Wolderwijd Wolderwijd en Nuldernauw Gelderland, Flevoland 2,750 A4i, B1i, B2, C2 044 NL0351 NL037 Lake Gooimeer Gooimeer Flevoland, 2,670 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 Noord-Holland 045 NL0352 NL033 Lake Eemmeer Eemmeer Flevoland, Utrecht, 1,340 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 Noord-Holland 046 NL0361 NL067 IJssel: Deventer–Zwolle IJssel: Deventer-Zwolle Overijssel 3,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C4, C6 047 NL0362 NL028 IJssel: Zwolle–Ketelmeer IJssel: Zwolle-Ketelmeer Overijssel 1,350 A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C6 048 NL0370 NL044 Gelderse Poort Gelderse Poort Gelderland 6,460 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 049 NL0380 NL066 Rijn: Heteren–Amerongen Rijn: Heteren–Amerongen Gelderland, Utrecht 2,480 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 050 NL0390 NL043 Waal: Ewijk–Waardenburg Waal: Ewijk-Waardenburg Gelderland 5,940 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 051 NL0400 NL045 Biesbosch Biesbosch Noord-Brabant, 9,050 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 Zuid-Holland 052 NL0410 NL059 Lake Leekstermeer Leekstermeer Groningen, Drenthe 850 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 053 NL0420 NL061 Lake Zuidlaardermeer and Onnerpolder Zuidlaardermeer en Onnerpolder Groningen, Drenthe 1,950 A4i, B1i, B2, C2 054 NL0430 NL015 Groote Wielen Groote Wielen (Grutte Wielen) Friesland 580 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 055 NL0440 NL023 Oude Venen Oude Venen (Alde Feanen) Friesland 2,500 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 056 NL0450 NL023 De Deelen De Deelen Friesland 1,260 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 057 NL0460 NL024 Van Oordt’s Mersken Van Oordt’s Mersken Friesland 670 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 058 NL0471 NL022 Lake Sneekermeer and Goingarijp Sneekermeer en Goingarijpsterpoelen Friesland 1,670 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3 059 NL0472 NL022 Terkaplesterpoelen and Akmarijp Terkaplesterpoelen en Akmarijp Friesland 770 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 060 NL0480 NL021 Lake Witte and Zwarte Brekken Witte en Zwarte Brekken, en Oudhof Friesland 460 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 061 NL0490 NL017 Lake Oudegaasterbrekken Oudegaasterbrekken Friesland 1,760 A4i, B1i, C3 062 NL0500 NL017 Lake Fluessen, Vogelhoek and Morra Fluessen, Vogelhoek en Morra Friesland 2,160 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 063 NL0510 NL020 Rottige Meenthe and Brandemeer Rottige Meenthe en Brandemeer Friesland 1,920 A4i, B1i, B2, C2 064 NL0520 NL027 De Weerribben De Weerribben Overijssel 3,470 B2, C6 065 NL0530 NL027 De Wieden De Wieden Overijssel 8,440 B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 066 NL0540 NL031 Oostvaardersplassen Oostvaardersplassen Flevoland 5,600 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 067 NL0550 NL031 Lepelaarplassen Lepelaarplassen Flevoland 510 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 068 NL0560 NL038 Eilandspolder Eilandspolder Noord-Holland 2,040 B1i, C2 069 NL0570 — Polder Zeevang Zeevang Noord-Holland 1,250 A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 070 NL0580 NL038 Wormer- and Jisperveld Wormer- en Jisperveld Noord-Holland 1,940 A4i, B1i, C2, C3, C6 071 NL0591 NL038 Ilperveld, Varkensland and Twiske Ilperveld, Varkensland en Twiske Noord-Holland 1,960 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 072 NL0592 NL038 Oostzanerveld Oostzanerveld Noord-Holland 750 A4i, B1i, C3, C6 073 NL0600 NL034 Oostelijke Vechtplassen Oostelijke Vechtplassen Utrecht, Noord-Holland 7,040 B2, C2, C6 074 NL0610 NL036 Naardermeer Naardermeer Noord-Holland 1,120 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 075 NL0620 NL033 Polder Arkemheen Arkemheen Gelderland 1,460 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 076 NL0630 NL040 Nieuwkoopse Plassen Nieuwkoopse Plassen Zuid-Holland 2,000 B2, C2, C6 077 NL0640 NL041 Reeuwijkse Plassen Reeuwijkse Plassen Zuid-Holland 1,650 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 078 NL0650 NL042 Zouweboezem Zouweboezem Zuid-Holland 140 C6 079 NL0660 — Donkse Laagten Donkse Laagten Zuid-Holland 180 B1i, C3 080 NL0670 NL042 Banks of River Linge Linge-Oevers, Nieuw Zuider Lingedijk Gelderland, Zuid-Holland 610 C6 081 NL0680 NL054 Yersekse and Kapelse Moer Yersekse en Kapelse Moer Zeeland 490 B1i, C3

466 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands. 106 IBAs covering 11,600 km2 IBA National 1989 code code1 code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 082 NL0690 NL060 Fochteloërveen and Lake Esmeer Fochteloërveen en Esmeer Friesland, Drenthe 3,830 A4i, B1i, C3 083 NL0700 NL025 Dwingelderveld Dwingelderveld Drenthe 3,800 B1i, C3 084 NL0710 NL026 Bargerveen Bargerveen Drenthe 2,200 B2, C6 085 NL0720 NL063 Engbertsdijksvenen Engbertsdijksvenen Overijssel 1,030 C6 086 NL0730 NL056 Mariapeel and Deurnesepeel Mariapeel en Deurnesepeel Noord-Brabant, Limburg 2,560 C6 087 NL0740 NL056 Groote Peel Groote Peel Noord-Brabant, Limburg 1,350 B1i, C3, C6 088 NL0750 NL056 Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven Strabrechtse Heide en Beuven Noord-Brabant 1,630 C6 089 NL1010 — De Wilck De Wilck Zuid-Holland 770 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 090 NL1020 — Zwarte Water and Overijsselse Vecht Zwarte Water en Overijsselse Vecht Overijssel 1,480 A4i, B1i, C2, C3 091 NL1030 NL047 Oudeland van Strijen Oudeland van Strijen Zuid-Holland 1,070 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3 092 NL1040 — Dunes of Schoorl Schoorlse Duinen Noord-Holland 2,500 B2 093 NL2010 — Drents–Friese Wold Drents–Friese Wold Friesland, Drenthe 7,100 C6 094 NL2020 — Veluwe Veluwe Gelderland 91,800 C6 095 NL2030 NL068 Sallandse Heuvelrug Sallandse Heuvelrug Overijssel 4,100 C6 096 NL2040 — Loonse and Drunense Duinen Loonse en Drunense Duinen Noord-Brabant 4,090 C6 097 NL2050 NL069 Regte Heide Regte Heide Noord-Brabant 410 C6 098 NL2060 NL070 Oirschotse Heide Oirschotse Heide Noord-Brabant 1,190 C6 099 NL2070 NL057 De Hamert/Bergerbossen De Hamert/Bergerbossen Limburg 4,030 C6 100 NL2080 — De Utrecht De Utrecht Noord-Brabant 3,870 C6 101 NL2090 — Weerter- and Budelerbergen Weerter- en Budelerbergen Noord-Brabant, Limburg 2,890 C6 102 NL2100 — Leudal Leudal Limburg 720 C6 103 NL2110 — Leenderbos and Groote Heide Leenderbos en Groote Heide Noord-Brabant 2,270 C6 104 NL2120 NL058 Meinweg Meinweg Limburg 1,990 C7 105 NL2130 — Brabantse Wal Brabantse Wal Noord-Brabant 5,800 C6 106 NL3010 NL064 Kampina Kampina Noord-Brabant 1,150 C7 1. van den Tempel and Osieck 1994 Sites identified in the previous inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989) but no longer considered to be IBAs NL018 Slotermeer; NL029 Noordoostpolder-West; NL035 Botshol and Ronde Hoep; NL055 Putting – Groot Eiland; NL062 Tjeukemeer; NL065 Maas: Vierlingsbeek – Grave and Ohé – Beesel.

Map 1. Location, area and criteria category of Important 12 Bird Areas in the 11 Netherlands. 8 10 7 6 9 16 18 1 14 15 4 54 5 52 17 3 2 55 53 35 59 57 82 61 13 56 NORTH 36 60 58 93 SEA 62 63 19 83 37 64 92 65 34 84 39 40 68 90 69 38 70 47 85 71 66 72 67 41 46 43 42 44 95 45 74 75 76 94 89 73 77 78 49 21 79 50 48 22 80 23 24 51 91 GERMANY 20 27 96 28 25 26 106 29 97 99 31 30 98 Highest category of 81 86 criteria met by IBA 33 88 105 100 103 A (68 IBAs) 87 B (17 IBAs) 32 101 C (21 IBAs) 102 104 Area of IBA (ha) BELGIUM 4,320 to 233,855 2,200 to 4,319 1,130 to 2,199 0 20 40 100 to 1,129 km

467 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Table 2. Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands that support important numbers of one or more congregatory species (i.e. meeting criteria A4 and/or B1). IBAs meeting both criteria A4 and B1 for the species are shown in bold. IBAs meeting only criterion B1 for the species concerned, and not A4, are shown in normal type. For key to ‘Season’, see p. 7. Species Season IBA code Species Season IBA code Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver W 018 Melanitta nigra Common Scoter W 018 Podiceps cristatus N 034, 037 Bucephala clangula Goldeneye W 026, 027 Great Crested Grebe Mergus albellus Smew W 034, 038, 067 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 022, 065, 066, 067, 074 Mergus serrator W 027, 031 N 001, 027, 034, 037, 066, 067 Red-breasted Merganser Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 002, 003, 004, 006, 019, 022, 066, 067, 074 Mergus merganser Goosander W 034, 037 P 035, 040, 051 Fulica atra Coot N 031, 034 N 002, 003, 006, 013, 015, 023, 027, 032, 066, Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher N 001, 004, 005, 006, 008, 010, 011, 012, 013, 068, 070 014, 016, 028, 032 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 015, 027, 028, 031, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 013, 014, 016, 026, 027, 028, 029, 030 046, 047, 049, 050, 051, 053, 063, 075, 077, N 001, 006, 008, 013, 014, 016, 017, 026, 032, 089, 090 036, 066 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 046, 066 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover N 032 Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 017, 048, 082, 083, 087 Charadrius alexandrinus N 032 Anser brachyrhynchus W 060, 061 Kentish Plover Pink-footed Goose Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 001, 005, 006, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 014, Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 015, 017, 032, 048, 050, 051, 052, 054, 055, 016, 028, 032 056, 057, 058, 059, 060, 062, 066, 079, 081, Calidris canutus Knot W 001, 004, 005, 006, 013, 028 090, 091 P 001, 004, 005, 010, 011, 028 Anser anser Greylag Goose N 015, 017, 024, 032, 066 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 001, 028, 032 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 001, 010, 014, 015, 016, 017, 024, 026, 027, N 001, 005, 006, 008, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 031, 051, 054, 055, 056, 058, 059, 060, 062, 016, 017, 028, 032 066, 091 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 036, 055, 057, 066, 070, 071, 072 Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 001, 002, 006, 008, 014, 016, 027, 028 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 001, 004, 006, 010, 013, 028, 032 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 001, 006, 008, 010, 013, 014, 016, 028, 032 P 001, 002, 004, 005, 008, 014, 016, 017, 028 Anas penelope Wigeon W 001, 014, 015, 024, 026, 028, 032, 034, 038, Numenius arquata Curlew W 001, 005, 006, 008, 012, 014, 016, 028 045, 054, 055, 058, 069, 070, 071, 077 N 001, 004, 005, 006, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, Anas strepera Gadwall N 015, 024, 025, 026, 030, 034, 044, 051, 055, 013, 014, 016, 028, 032 066 Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N 001, 013, 014, 017, 028, 032 Anas crecca Teal N 001, 015, 017, 066 Tringa totanus Redshank N 001, 006, 013, 014, 016, 021, 028, 032 Anas acuta Pintail N 001, 006, 010, 013, 015, 026, 027, 028, 032, Tringa nebularia Greenshank N 001 066 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 001 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 001, 015, 026, 028, 029, 030, 044, 045, 048, N 013, 028 054, 055, 057, 058, 066 Larus fuscus B 006, 010 Aythya ferina Pochard N 034, 038, 039, 050 Lesser Black-backed Gull Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck N 034, 038, 039, 067 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 005, 027, 032 Aythya marila Scaup W 001, 020, 034, 035, 037, 038 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 032 Somateria mollissima Eider N 001, 018 Chlidonias niger Black Tern P 013, 034, 066 have not been confirmed as IBAs during the current review process Sixty-six IBAs support important breeding numbers of SPECs, as they no longer meet the qualifying criteria (Table 1). A further 19 meeting criteria B2 and/or B3 (Table 1). The Netherlands holds a of the original IBAs have been split into two to four IBAs each during very significant proportion of the European breeding populations the current review, and 17 new IBAs have been identified since 1989 of the following species: Platalea leucorodia (sites 002–004, 006, 066, (of which six since 1994). This current inventory is based mainly on recent increase at 022), Recurvirostra avosetta (014, 016, 026, 027) the national IBA inventory (van den Tempel and Osieck 1994), which and Sterna sandvicensis (005, 027). includes 87 sites (13 ‘splits’ plus six new sites, totalling 106 sites). All IBAs in the Netherlands qualify under European Union (EU) criteria (‘C criteria’), with the current exception of Dunes of Schoorl (092), which qualifies under criterion B2 for breeding Larus canus, ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE which species is not listed in Annex I of the EC Birds Directive. Twenty-one of the IBAs in the Netherlands qualify only under these There are 99 species of European conservation concern (SPECs) that EU criteria, of which 18 under criterion C6 for Annex I species breed in the Netherlands, as well as 11 ‘winter’ SPECs that winter such as Ardea purpurea (where the minimum threshold for B2/B3 regularly in the country (Tucker and Heath 1994). Of the 99 breeding is not met), Pernis apivorus, Circus cyaneus, Grus grus on passage SPECs, two are globally threatened (Crex crex and Aythya nyroca, (small numbers), Tetrao tetrix, and Caprimulgus europaeus. Three the latter breeding irregularly) and a further 52 have an unfavourable further sites meet only criterion C7, simply because they have conservation status in Europe (Tucker and Heath 1994). No IBAs already been designated by the Netherlands government as Special meet the A1 criterion for globally threatened and near-threatened Protection Areas under the EC Birds Directive. species. For 13 SPECs and Annex I species, over 75% of the national The majority of IBAs in the Netherlands support important population breeds within the IBA network (Table 3). Those congregations of migratory waterbirds (Table 1), with 64 sites breeding species which are not adequately covered by the IBA meeting the A4i criterion and a further 16 sites meeting the B1i network due to the dispersed nature of their distribution include criterion (Table 2). These wetlands hold more than 1% of the Ciconia ciconia, Anas querquedula, Limosa limosa, Alcedo atthis and biogeographic or flyway populations of those species listed in Table 2. most passerines (see ‘Analytical methods’, below). The country is particularly important for migratory waterbirds during the migration seasons and during winter, for species such as (top sites listed in brackets) Cygnus columbianus (015), Anser anser HABITATS (066, major moulting site), Branta leucopsis (014), Aythya marila (034), Haematopus ostralegus (001), Limosa lapponica (001), Calidris Of the total land area of the Netherlands, 70% consists of farmland, canutus (001) and Chlidonias niger (034). Of these internationally 14% of built-up areas and roads, 9% of woodland (mainly forest important wetlands, 49 also hold 20,000 or more waterbirds on a plantations), 4% of ‘natural’ areas and 2% of recreational areas. regular basis, meeting criterion A4iii (Table 1). Natural areas include coastal dunes (21% of the total), saltmarshes

468 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Table 3. Species of European conservation concern and species Figure 1. Habitats at Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands listed on Annex I of the EC Birds Directive with significant (see Appendix 3 for definitions of habitats). breeding populations at IBAs in the Netherlands.

Minimum Proportion (%) of Wetland national breeding national population population breeding at all IBAs Artificial landscape Species 1 (pairs) 2 in the Netherlands Scrub Botaurus stellaris Bittern 215 52 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern 10 50 Forest and woodland Ardea purpurea Purple Heron 210 95 Unknown Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill 400 1003 Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard 700 30 Marine areas ³ 50% cover¹ 5%–49% cover¹ Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier 800 30 Grassland Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier 80 1003 < 5% or unknown¹ Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier 20 15 Rocky areas Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse 29 1003 03010 204050 60 70 80 90 Porzana porzana Spotted Crake 150 45 Percentage of IBAs (100% = 106 sites) Crex crex Corncrake 80 30 1. percentage of area of individual IBA covered by habitat Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet 8,400 81 Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover 425 82 Philomachus pugnax Ruff 400 39 and Mergus serrator. The largest freshwater lakes (16% of total IBA Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean Gull 90 44 area) IJsselmeer (034) and Markermeer (038) hold huge numbers of Larus canus Common Gull 7,000 77 both piscivorous species (Podiceps cristatus, Phalacrocorax carbo, Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull 24,000 67 Mergus albellus, Chlidonias niger) and mussel Mytilus-eating species Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern 10,000 1003 (Aythya fuligula, A. marila, A. ferina). Inland lakes and the major Sterna hirundo Common Tern 14,000 91 rivers are important roosts for geese (Anser/Branta) and Anas Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern 850 98 penelope. If aquatic vegetation (e.g. pondweed Potamogeton) is Sterna albifrons Little Tern 275 1003 present, then Cygnus columbianus feeds on these lakes in autumn, Chlidonias niger Black Tern 1,100 71 e.g. Veluwemeer (042). Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl 100 62 Two vast marine IBAs (25% of the total IBA area) have been Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar 450 80 identified, holding large numbers of Gavia stellata and Melanitta Alcedo atthis Kingfisher 125 22 nigra. Of the extensive area of agricultural grassland that is used Dryocopus martius Black Woodpecker 2,300 38 for feeding by swans Cygnus, geese and Anas penelope, only small Lullula arborea Woodlark 2,700 64 proportions (5–10%) have been included in the inventory (see Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit 60 1003 ‘Analytical methods’, below). Two special types of wetland are wet Luscinia svecica Bluethroat 5,500 59 heathland and peatbogs, which are of importance for such breeding Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike 150 72 species as Luscinia svecica and Lanius collurio, i.e. Bargerveen 1. Only those species of European conservation concern (see Box 1, p. 12) that meet IBA criteria (site 084), for Grus grus on passage, and for Anser fabalis fabalis in the Netherlands are listed, together with those species listed on Annex I of the EC Birds when roosting. Twelve IBAs consist mainly of woodland and Directive that fulfil criterion C6 in IBAs in the Netherlands. heathland (11% of total IBA area), and have been selected under 2. Data are taken from the BirdLife/EBCC European Bird Database 1998 (Heath and Borggreve 2000). 3. The percentage of the national population in IBAs exceeds 100%. Usually this is because the criterion C6 for Pernis apivorus, Tetrao tetrix, Caprimulgus national population estimate has not been updated recently whilst the IBA population estimate has europaeus, Dryocopus martius, Lullula arborea and Anthus been recently updated with new data as a result of comprehensive surveys of IBAs themselves. Also, the individual site count for a species may be the maximum or average over recent years, and campestris (sites 093–103,105). summing these may record more birds than are present nationally in any single year.

(7%), marshland (32%) and heathland (21%). Seven IBAs consist IMPACTS ON IBAs – LAND-USE AND THREATS mainly of coastal dunes (covering about half of the national area of this habitat) which are important breeding areas for Platalea The Netherlands is a densely populated country (470 persons/km² leucorodia, Circus cyaneus, Larus canus and Asio flammeus. The on average) although the majority of the population is urban. majority of the saltmarshes and (isolated) sandflats are included Consequently the human pressure on most IBAs is high. Nearly within the IBA network. They are of great importance for breeding 90% of all IBAs are used for recreation, and most wetlands support Platalea leucorodia, Recurvirostra avosetta, Charadrius alexandrinus, (commercial) fisheries (Figure 2). Hunting is allowed in many Larus fuscus, Sterna sandvicensis, S. hirundo and S. albifrons, as feeding areas for Anser anser (site 032, in winter), Branta leucopsis Figure 2. Land-uses at Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands and B. bernicla, and as high-tide roosts for large numbers of (see Appendix 3 for definitions of land-uses). waders and gulls. Another major wetland habitat is marshland (56% of national area covered by IBAs), of which reedbeds and Nature conservation/research swamp-forest are an important breeding habitat for Botaurus stellaris, Ardea purpurea, Phalacrocorax carbo, Platalea leucorodia (site 066), Tourism/recreation Circus aeruginosus and Luscinia svecica. During May and June, tens Water management of thousands of non-breeding Anser anser moult in the Oostvaardersplassen (066) while feeding in the extensive reedbeds. Hunting The main habitat within IBAs is wetland: over half of the IBAs Fisheries/aquaculture (51%) are predominantly wetland, and a further 27% of the total have a lower proportion of wetland (Figure 1). Apart from the Agriculture wetland types mentioned previously, the other main types are inshore Urban/industrial/transport (coastal) waters and lakes. The first category concerns permanent (shallow sub-tidal) water and intertidal mudflats (comprising 30% Forestry ³ 50% cover¹ of the total area of IBAs in the country), which are mainly found in Other 5%–49% cover¹ the Wadden Sea (site 001), Oosterschelde (028) and Westerschelde < 5% or unknown¹ (032). These are the main coastal wetlands used by large numbers of Military waterbirds and, in particular, waders on passage and during winter. 0 10 20 304050 60 70 80 90 100 Lakes (20% of the total IBA area) include the two saline (dammed) Percentage of IBAs (100% = 106 sites) lakes Grevelingen (site 027) and Veerse Meer (031), which are 1. percentage of area of individual IBA covered by land-use especially important for piscivorous species such as Podiceps cristatus

469 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Figure 3. Threats at Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands (see Appendix 3 for definitions of threat types and impact categories).

Recreation/tourism Disturbance to birds Drainage Industrialization/urbanization Agricultural intensification/expansion Other Aquaculture/fisheries Extraction industry Infrastructure Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage High impact Unknown Groundwater abstraction Medium to low impact Natural events Unknown impact Dredging/canalization Abandonment/reduction of land management 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Percentage of IBAs (100% = 106 sites) wetlands (but many coastal sites are closed for hunting), although consisting of core areas (i.e. nature reserves of at least 250 ha extent), the number of quarry species is limited (only one waterbird species: restoration areas, water-bodies, woodland, farmland with Anas platyrhynchos). Dairy farming occurs in over half of the IBAs, management restrictions, and ecological corridors. All areas within but agriculture affects most IBAs in direct or indirect ways (through the network of about 7,000 km² (land) and 70,000 km² (water) enjoy drainage, groundwater extraction and nutrient pollution). The land- basic protection from human interference which affects the natural use category ‘urban/industrial/transport’, which applies to one third features of the area concerned. Derogation can be allowed in favour of the IBAs (Figure 2), refers mainly to shipping (25% of IBAs), of serious national interests. All IBAs are part of this network, roads, and the extraction of sand and groundwater. apart from two which are situated at the border (sites 061 and 089). Most threats to IBAs in the Netherlands do not involve the Core areas receive the highest level of protection and are managed large-scale destruction of habitat but rather such factors as the regular as Protected Natural Monuments, Nature Reserves and/or National disturbance of birds by human activities, and the gradual Parks. Through their overlap with these protected areas, most IBAs deterioration of habitat quality due to, for example, nutrient pollution have some protection (Table 4), but only about one third of the (often from sources remote from the IBA), drainage, scrub IBAs overlap to a high degree (Figure 4). encroachment and unnatural water management (i.e. high level in summer and low in winter). Recreation and disturbance are 1. Protected Natural Monuments considered to be threats in about half of the IBAs, although rated as Protected Natural Monuments (Beschermde Natuurmonumenten) ‘high impact’ in only a few areas (Figure 3). Commercial fisheries are sites which, because of their high natural values, have been are a threat at 15% of the IBAs, and at nearly 10% the threat is designated under the Nature Conservation Act. In principle, no rated as ‘high impact’, all other categories having a much lower human interference is allowed, but permits can be issued if the natural score. This specifically refers to shellfish fisheries on intertidal features of the site are not at stake. However, human activities which mudflats (which cause habitat destruction and food shortage for were already taking place before the designation can often be birds) and to over-fishing on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer (034, continued so long as they are not intensified. Through their overlap 038). with Natural Monuments, about 316,000 ha of IBAs are protected under this Act, including large parts of the Wadden Sea, Oosterschelde, Haringvliet, Volkerakmeer, Friese IJsselmeerkust PROTECTION STATUS (sites 035–037), Zwartemeer, Eemmeer, Oostvaardersplassen, Mariapeel, Deurnese Peel, Bargerveen and Groote Peel (Table 4). ■ National protection Except for the two first-mentioned areas, most other Natural Nature conservation is administered by the Directorate Nature Monuments overlap with existing Nature Reserves. Management of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries. Policies are determined by the Nature Policy Plan 2. Nature Reserves (Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries 1990) The Netherlands has an extensive system of Nature Reserves owned and the Policy Memorandum on ‘Green Space’ (1993) which aim and managed by the State (National Service for Nature and primarily at the establishment of an Ecological Network (EHS) Landscape, SBB), or by private nature conservation bodies

Figure 4. The national protection status of Important Bird Areas Figure 5. The international protection status of Important Bird in the Netherlands. Areas in the Netherlands.

None 10 IBAs (9%) High Low None 35 IBAs (33%) 58 IBAs (55%) High 6 IBAs (6%) 30 IBAs (28%)

% of area of % of area of individual individual IBA overlaps IBA overlaps with national with international protected areas: protected areas: High >90% High >90% Partial Partial 10–90% Partial 10–90% 14 IBAs (13%) Low <10% Low <10% Partial Low None 55 IBAs (52%) None 4 IBAs (4%)

Total area of overlap between IBA network in the Netherlands and national protected- Total area of overlap between IBA network in the Netherlands and international area system (see Table 5 for categories) = 2,682–4,221 km2 (23–36% of total IBA area). protected-area system (see Table 5 for categories) = 3,696 km2 (32% of total IBA area).

470 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

(Natuurmonumenten, Provincial Landscapes) which receive an 3. National Parks annual contribution from the government towards the management National Parks are areas of over 1,000 ha in size with special natural costs. The total area of Nature Reserves in 1997 was about features and good opportunities for recreational activities. There 2,000 km², of which about 70% is situated within IBAs (Table 4, are ten such parks, of which nine overlap with IBAs (Table 4, Figure 4). The total area of Nature Reserves (and restoration areas) Figure 4). Four more are planned which overlap with IBAs: Duinen should increase by another 1,500 km² by 2018, in the framework of Texel (site 003), Lauwersmeer (015), Oosterschelde (028) and Oude the establishment of the Ecological Network. Venen (055).

Table 4. Protection status of Important Bird Areas in the Netherlands. A tick (✔) indicates that an IBA overlaps with a protected area (to any extent); a plus sign (+) indicates that designation is expected in 1999. National International National International

IBA International IBA International

code name Natural Monument Nature Reserve National Park Private Reserve Ramsar Site Biosphere Reserve Special Protection Area code name Natural Monument Nature Reserve National Park Private Reserve Ramsar Site Biosphere Reserve Special Protection Area 001 Wadden Sea ✔✔✔✔054 Groote Wielen ✔ + 002 Texel: Schorren and Zeeburg ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 055 Oude Venen ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 003 Texel: Dunes and Hors ✔✔ ++056 De Deelen ✔✔✔ 004 Vlieland ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 057 Van Oordt’s Mersken ✔ + 005 Griend ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 058 Lake Sneekermeer and Goingarijp ✔ ++ 006 Terschelling: De Boschplaat ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 059 Terkaplesterpoelen and Akmarijp ✔ ++ 007 Terschelling: Dunes and Noordvaarder ✔✔ ++060 Lake Witte and Zwarte Brekken ✔ + 008 Ameland: Duinen-Oerd ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 061 Lake Oudegaasterbrekken ✔ ++ 009 Engelsmanplaat ✔✔✔062 Lake Fluessen, Vogelhoek and Morra ✔ ++ ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔ 010 Schiermonnikoog 063 Rottige Meenthe and Brandemeer ✔ ++ ✔✔✔ 011 Rottumerplaat 064 De Weerribben ✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔✔ 012 Rottumeroog 065 De Wieden ✔ ++ ✔✔✔ 013 Balgzand 066 Oostvaardersplassen ✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 014 Frisian Wadden Sea coast 067 Lepelaarplassen ✔✔ ✔ ✔✔ 015 Lauwersmeer ++068 Eilandspolder ✔ + ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 016 Groningen Wadden Sea coast 069 Polder Zeevang ✔ + ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 017 Dollard 070 Wormer- and Jisperveld ✔ ++ 018 North Sea north of the Wadden Sea ++071 Ilperveld, Varkensland and Twiske ✔✔ + ✔✔✔ 019 Zwanenwater 072 Oostzanerveld ✔ + 020 Voordelta + ✔ 073 Oostelijke Vechtplassen ✔✔ ++ 021 Westplaat ++ 074 Naardermeer ✔✔✔ 022 Voornes Duin ✔ ++ 075 Polder Arkemheen ✔ + 023 Kwade Hoek ✔✔ 076 Nieuwkoopse Plassen ✔✔ ✔ 024 Haringvliet ✔✔ ++ 077 Reeuwijkse Plassen ✔ ++ 025 Hollands Diep ✔✔ ++ 078 Zouweboezem ✔✔ 026 Lake Volkerak ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 079 Donkse Laagten ✔ + 027 Grevelingen ++ 080 Banks of River Linge ✔✔ + 028 Oosterschelde ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 081 Yersekse and Kapelse Moer ✔ + 029 Zoommeer ✔ ++ 082 Fochteloërveen and Lake Esmeer ✔ + 030 Markiezaat ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 083 Dwingelderveld ✔✔ ✔ 031 Lake Veersemeer ✔ ++ 084 Bargerveen ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 032 Westerschelde and Saeftinghe ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 085 Engbertsdijksvenen ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 033 Zwin (Dutch part) ✔ 086 Mariapeel and Deurnesepeel ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 034 Lake IJsselmeer ✔✔ ++ 087 Groote Peel ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔ 035 Makkumer- and Kooiwaard ✔✔ + ✔ 088 Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven ✔✔ + 036 Workumerwaard ✔ + ✔ 089 De Wilck ✔ + 037 Steile Bank and Mokkebank ✔✔ + ✔ ✔✔ 038 Lake Markermeer ✔✔ + ✔ 090 Zwarte Water and Overijsselse Vecht + ✔ 039 Lake Ketelmeer ++091 Oudeland van Strijen + ✔✔ 040 Lake Zwartemeer ✔✔✔092 Dunes of Schoorl + ✔✔ 041 Lake Drontermeer ++093 Drents–Friese Wold + ✔✔ 042 Lake Veluwemeer ✔ ++094 Veluwe + ✔ 043 Lake Wolderwijd ++095 Sallandse Heuvelrug + ✔✔ 044 Lake Gooimeer ✔✔ ✔ 096 Loonse and Drunense Duinen + ✔ 045 Lake Eemmeer ✔✔ ✔ 097 Regte Heide 046 IJssel: Deventer–Zwolle ✔✔ + 098 Oirschotse Heide ✔✔✔ ✔ 047 IJssel: Zwolle–Ketelmeer ✔✔ + 099 De Hamert/Bergerbossen ✔✔ 048 Gelderse Poort ✔✔ + 100 De Utrecht + ✔ 049 Rijn: Heteren–Amerongen ✔ + 101 Weerter- and Budelerbergen + ✔ 050 Waal: Ewijk–Waardenburg ✔✔ ✔ 102 Leudal + ✔ 051 Biesbosch ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 103 Leenderbos and Groote Heide + ✔✔ ✔ 052 Lake Leekstermeer ✔ ++104 Meinweg 053 Lake Zuidlaardermeer 105 Brabantse Wal + and Onnerpolder ✔ ++106 Kampina ✔✔ Subtotal number of IBAs 36 37 2 0 21 1 31 Total number of IBAs 52 88 9 1 30 1 47

471 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Vereniging SOVON and specialized institutes run comprehensive Box 1. International Global • legislation and initiatives that Biodiversity Convention ✔ bird-monitoring schemes, including annual counts of rare and are relevant to site Ramsar Convention ✔ colonial breeding species, integrated censuses of breeding conservation in the Bonn Convention ✔ birds at reserves, common bird censuses, monthly counts of Netherlands (see Appendix 1 World Heritage Convention ✔ waterbirds on the large water-bodies, and monthly national for a general description of MAB Programme ✔ counts of swans and geese. Midwinter counts cover all waterbirds these agreements). Pan-European nationwide. Bern Convention ✔ • Many wetland IBAs are now covered by a network of IBA- Regional caretakers that monitor threats in these sites and undertake local EC Birds Directive ✔ conservation actions. Their efforts are being coordinated by the EC Habitats Directive ✔ BirdLife Partner in the Netherlands (Vogelbescherming ✔ Convention ratified/initiative supported Nederland), which also undertakes national and international (✔) Convention signed conservation actions when appropriate.

■ International protection ANALYTICAL METHODS Figure 5 summarizes the international protection status of IBAs in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a member state of the European • This inventory is based mainly on the partly government- Union, and the EC Birds and Habitats Directives have applied from commissioned national IBA inventory (van den Tempel and the dates that these legal instruments entered into force (1981 and Osieck 1994), which covered all bird species listed on Annex I 1994 respectively). A total of 30 Special Protection Areas have been of the EC Birds Directive, all waterbird species meeting 1% designated under the Birds Directive; these are contained by or threshold levels, and Charadrius alexandrinus. For the current overlap with 47 IBAs (Table 4): Wadden Sea (contains 10 IBAs, inventory, only one more SPEC was included in the analysis overlaps with five others), Zwanenwater, Kwade Hoek (contains (Larus canus), because the addition of other SPECs would site 023, overlaps with 020), Volkerakmeer, Oosterschelde (including probably not have revealed any new IBAs. The differences 030), Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe (part of 032), Zwingebied between this inventory and the previous pan-European IBA (033), Friese IJsselmeerkust (contains 034–037), Zwartemeer, inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989), which itself was an update ‘Eemmeer, Gooimeer en IJmeer’ (parts of 044–045, 038), Kil van of the 1981 IBA list (Osieck and Mörzer Bruyns 1981), are caused Hurwenen (part of 050), De Biesbosch, Oude Venen, De Deelen, De by (1) an increase in the number of bird species covered (in Weerribben, Oostvaardersplassen, Lepelaarsplassen, Naardermeer, particular, species added to Annex I of the Birds Directive in Nieuwkoopse Plassen, Zouweboezem, Dwingelderveld, 1985); (2) the splitting of sites; (3) the fact that agricultural Fochteloërveen, Bargerveen, Engbertsdijkvenen, Mariapeel, grassland has been included to a limited extent only (100 ha Deurnesepeel, Groote Peel, Landgoed De Hamert (part of 099), criterion, see below); and (4) the use of more recent bird data. Meinweg, and Kampina. As a consequence of a judgement by the • Quoted population estimates for colonial and rare breeding European Court of Justice on 19 May 1998, the Netherlands intends species are based mainly on three or more counts during the to designate most of the other IBAs (or incompletely designated period 1987–1992. Population data that are quoted for dispersed IBAs) as Special Protection Areas in 1999. species or species that are difficult to census, such as Pernis In December 1996 and July 1998, lists of proposed Sites of apivorus, Porzana porzana, Dryocopus martius, Caprimulgus Community Interest under the Habitats Directive were submitted europaeus, Lullula arborea and Luscinia svecica, refer usually to to the European Commission. These lists include 63 IBAs in total. single counts or to careful estimates. Quoted numbers for Future designation as Special Areas for Conservation will provide waterbirds refer generally to mean seasonal maxima, based on protection aimed at natural habitats and (non-bird) species for monthly counts or counts during peak months (1987–1992). which the area has been designated. Unless otherwise stated, the quoted numbers of pairs/individuals The Netherlands is also party to the Ramsar Convention (since of a bird species are mean seasonal figures derived over several 1980), Bern Convention (1980) and Bonn Convention (Box 1). A years (2–5 years). Most commonly (87% of all figures quoted in total of 18 sites have been designated under the Ramsar Convention, the tables of key species in the main site accounts), the mean is which are contained by or overlap with 30 IBAs: Wadden Sea based on a 5-, 4- or 3-year series. The end-year of the series is (contains nine IBAs, overlaps with six others), Zwanenwater, quoted in the table for each mean figure, and is most commonly Krammer-Volkerak (site 026), Oosterschelde (including 030), 1991, 1990 or 1992 (87% of all figures quoted). Quoted numbers Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe, Zwartemeer, Biesbosch of individuals at nocturnal roosts of geese are in some cases Zuidwaard, Oude Venen, De Deelen, De Weerribben, based on rough estimates from the 1980s (in particular sites 054– Oostvaardersplassen, Naardermeer, Groote Peel, Bargerveen, 062). Most bird data were provided by Bird Census Work Engbertsdijkvenen, and Deurnesepeel. The latter three were SOVON, which organization coordinates all national bird designated under the Convention’s non-bird criteria. The census-work through volunteers and which incorporates most designations of Griend (1981) and Boschplaat (1981) have been of the census data collected by professionals. incorporated in the Wadden Sea designation since 1984. The • Huge numbers of swans, geese, Anas penelope and Pluvialis designation as Ramsar Sites of 34 other IBAs is currently (1999) apricaria feed in winter on agricultural grassland and arable land. being considered (003, 004, 007, 008, 010, 015, 018, 020, 021, 022, Sometimes Sterna hirundo nests in unusual places such as sand- 024, 025, 027, 029, 031, 034, 038, 039, 041, 042, 043, 052, 053, 058, filled areas intended for industrial use. Such artificial habitats 059, 061, 062, 063, 065, 068, 070, 073, 077). The Wadden Sea has have hardly any other conservation values, except for wet been designated as a Biosphere Reserve (the same area as the SPA grasslands which may hold appreciable densities of breeding designation). waders such as Limosa limosa, and which also sometimes serve as feeding areas for Ardea purpurea and Platalea leucorodia during the breeding season. Such sites were considered to be CONSERVATION only eligible as IBAs if at least 100 ha was owned and managed as a nature reserve. This additional criterion can be considered • Protected areas are usually covered by management plans. as a national interpretation of the rule that an IBA must exist as Integral management plans do not exist for most other areas, an actual or potential protected area which can be managed in although separate policy plans are often in force for various some way for nature conservation (Grimmett and Jones 1989: human activities (e.g. water management, recreation, sand 13). This site criterion is also considered in line with Article 4 of extraction). The following seven IBAs are not covered at all by the EC Birds Directive, because such sites are considered more any management plans (or only a minor part is covered): ‘suitable’ from a conservation point of view than areas without Engelsmanplaat (009), North Sea north of the Wadden Sea (018), such protected sites. In this respect, it should be noted that land Hollands Diep (025), Lake Oudegaasterbrekken (061), Oudeland areas with a more or less natural vegetation hardly occur outside van Strijen (091), Oirschotse Heide (098), De Utrecht (100). protected areas in the Netherlands.

472 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

• For the application of European Union criterion C6, the polder a flat area of land, often below sea-level, with an artificially regulated Netherlands was treated as a single NUTS region. In principle water-regime, having been claimed from the sea or from a lake or river. this criterion has been applied for all Dutch species listed on SOVON Samenwerkende Organisaties Vogelonderzoek Nederland. Annex I of the Birds Directive, including dispersed breeding SPA Special Protection Area (designated under Article 4 of the EC Birds Directive). species (e.g. Pernis apivorus), birds on passage (e.g. Sterna caspia), and wintering birds (e.g. Haliaeetus albicilla). • Data on the legal protection status of sites have been extracted ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS from official publications and statutory documents (situation as of 1 June 1999). It should be noted that the official area sizes The review of the national IBA list (Van den Tempel & Osieck 1994) was of site designations are always given, even if these are incorrect commissioned, and co-financed, by the Centre for Information and Knowledge (e.g. Ramsar and SPA designations of the Wadden Sea give an on Nature Management (IKC natuurbeheer) of the Ministry of Agriculture, area size of 250,000 ha, although the actual sizes are 271,000 ha Nature Management and Fisheries. The majority of the bird data was collected and 272,100 ha respectively). The ownership and areal extent by Bird Census Work SOVON. A large number of birdwatchers, local bird of Nature Reserves (including forestry plantations) managed clubs, (government) institutions and other organisations made the results of by conservation bodies have been taken from Complete gids their bird counts available for this purpose. A number of individuals and Natuur- en Wandelgebieden in Nederland published by Vereniging institutions deserve a special mention, considering the relatively large Natuurmonumenten (1996); updates were made available). quantity of unpublished data which they have provided: L. M. J. van den Bergh, • Site boundaries were digitized using official topographical maps J. H. Cronau, M. R. van Eerden, R. ter Horst and C. Witkamp, P. L. Meininger, (scale 1:50,000) and stored in a geographical information system C. J. G. Scharringa and C. J. Smit. F. Hustings (SOVON) provided information held by the IKC Nature Management of the Ministry of regarding numbers of bird species not bound to wetlands. Additional bird Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries (Wageningen). data was obtained from A. J. Dijksen, R. van Dongen, W. B. van Eijk, G. J. Gerritsen, M. F. Leopold, C. N. de Vries, F. J. J. Niewold, B. van Noorden, H. Sierdsema, J. B. M. Thissen, B. Voslamber, and D. Woets. In GLOSSARY collecting other data many individuals and institutions contributed, including J. B. M. Thissen and R. Zollinger, Vereniging Natuurmonumenten, National EHS Ecological Network. Forest Service (SBB) and provincial associations. A commission appointed by NUTS Nomenclature des Unités Territoriales Statistiques – the administrative the IKC natuurbeheer, consisting of A. J. Binsbergen, G. C. Boere, regions of the European Union are called NUTS regions, and are designated by J. Kooijman, G. J. Post, J. B. M. Thissen, J. H. Cronau, E. C. L. Marteijn and the EC Statistical Office (Eurostat). P. L. Meininger, provided worthwhile comments on the 1994 review.

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

Wadden Sea A4i, A4iii, B1i, C2, C3, C4 001 Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region Groningen, Friesland, Noord-Holland 2 Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 41,117 41,117 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 Coordinates 53°18’N 5°23’E Calidris canutus Knot P 1991 46,732 46,732 A A4i, B1i, C3 2 Altitude (-20)–0 m Area 233,855 ha Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1991 56,985 56,985 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1990 182,674 182,674 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 17,045 17,045 A A4i, B1i, C2 ■ Site description 1 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1991 84,388 84,388 A A4i, B1i, C2 Together with the Danish and German sections, the Wadden Sea Numenius arquata Curlew W 1991 57,693 57,693 A A4i, B1i, C3 (Waddenzee) is the largest intertidal area in Europe. Important 1 Numenius arquata Curlew N 1990 92,462 92,462 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 habitats of the ecosystem include mudflats, sandflats, saltmarshes, Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N 1991 1,914 1,914 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 shallowly submerged sandbanks, and estuaries. The Dutch section is Tringa totanus Redshank N 1990 12,694 12,694 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 bounded by the Waddeneilanden and the mainland. It was separated Tringa nebularia Greenshank N 1990 2,120 2,120 B A4i, B1i, C3 1 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1990 2,341 2,341 B A4i, B1i, C3 from Lake IJsselmeer (site 034) in 1932 and from the Lauwerszee (015) in 1969. The Wadden Sea IBA includes the main part of the intertidal 1. Sites 002–014 and 016–017 included. 2. January mean. system but the main isles (005, 009), the bays (013, 017) and the saltmarshes/forelands (002–004, 006–008, 010–014, 016) have been The Wadden Sea is a major breeding, staging, wintering, feeding considered as separate sites. The area covered by the Wadden Sea and moulting area for huge numbers of many duck, goose, wader, Memorandum (national policy paper), of which the boundary is gull and tern species. No numbers are given for breeding birds as most determined by the mean of the annual maximum high-water mark, nest in immediately adjacent IBAs. This complex site was not taken overlaps with these sites and has a total area of 272,100 ha. Human into account for the application of C6 criterion (‘five most important activities include extraction of natural gas and of sand, and shellfish sites in NUTS region’), because of its close proximity to adjacent sites fisheries. (002–014, 016–017).

Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat) ■ Protection status Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (90%), Military (18%), Nature conservation/research (85%), National Partial International High Tourism/recreation (100%), Urban/industrial/transport (11%) About 108,000 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, 125,000 ha). 79,700 ha of IBA covered by Natural ■ Birds Monument (Waddenzee II, 80,000 ha). 233,855 ha of IBA covered by Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Special Protection Area (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect 1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1991 2,811 2,811 B B1i, C3 figure]). 233,855 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 28,491 28,491 A A4i, B1i, C2 ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 233,855 ha of IBA covered 1 Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1990 56,080 56,080 A A4i, B1i, C3 by Biosphere Reserve (Waddenzee, 260,000 ha). 1 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1990 45,236 45,236 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1991 61,350 61,350 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Conservation issues 1 Anas crecca Teal N 1991 4,153 4,153 A B1i, C3 1 Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 5,384 5,384 A B1i, C3 Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction industry (C), 1 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1991 1,249 1,249 A B1i, C3 Recreation/tourism (B) 1 Aythya marila Scaup W 1990 21,319 21,319 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 Somateria mollissima Eider N 1994 79,545 79,545 B A4i, B1i, C3 Mechanical fishing of cockles Cardium by suction dredging, military 1 Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher N 1990 255,916 255,916 A A4i, B1i, C3 training, recreation, and gas extraction are the main threats to the 1 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1991 15,557 15,557 A A4i, B1i, C2 area. Cockle fishing affects the food resources of birds such as 1 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1990 29,265 29,265 A A4i, B1i, C3 Somateria mollissima and Haematopus ostralegus and destroys the

473 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands sediment structure, while all long-established banks of mussels Mytilus Texel: Dunes and Hors A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C6 003 have been removed, and the recovery of eel-grass Zostera is hindered. Admin region Noord-Holland The Special Protection Area and the Ramsar designation cover Coordinates 53°07’N 4°47’E the whole of this site although the area-sizes given in the designation Altitude 0–25 m Area 3,850 ha orders are much less. The two Natural Monuments together cover about 85% of the area, including all of the saltmarshes and most of the intertidal flats. The current management plan covers the period 1996–2001. ■ Site description An extensive area of sand-dunes that stretches along 25 km of the North Sea side of Texel island; the width of the site varies from 200 m (near De Koog village) to 2 km. Important habitats include small lakes Texel: Schorren A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 002 and Zeeburg and dune-slacks (e.g. De Muy, De Geul), sea inlets with saltmarshes (De Slufter, De Mok), sandflats (De Hors), shifting and fixed dunes, Admin region Noord-Holland and cord-grass Spartina swards. Parts of the inner dunes are covered Coordinates 53°08’N 4°54’E by forestry plantations (largely excluded from the site). Hunting is Altitude 0–10 m Area 1,600 ha allowed but with restrictions on quarry species. Other land-uses include scattered houses, recreational facilities, and groundwater abstraction. ■ Site description This site, together with site 002, formed part of a single, larger site The site comprises a saltmarsh (De Schorren), adjacent intertidal (former site NL002) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory mudflats (contiguous to site 001), cord-grass Spartina swards, and inland (Grimmett and Jones 1989). farmland managed for Branta bernicla (Zeeburg) on the north-eastern Habitats Wetland (96%; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach) side of Texel, the Wadden Sea island. The saltmarsh is protected against Land-use Hunting (90%), Nature conservation/research (84%), Tourism/ erosion by 30 longitudinal levees. This site, together with site 003, formed recreation (95%) part of a single, larger site (former site NL002) in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Birds Habitats Wetland (78%; mudflat/sandflat), Artificial landscape (22%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (20%), Fisheries/aquaculture (70%), Nature conservation/ Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 54 54 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 research (85%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Water management (20%) Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 31 31 A B1i, C2 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier B 1991 16 16 A C6 1 ■ Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 856 856 A B2 Birds Larus canus Common Gull B 1991 1,262 1,262 A B2 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1991 990 990 A B3 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 55 55 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 33 33 A B2, C6 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 84 84 A B1i, C2, C6 Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl B 1991 8 8 A C6 Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1991 8,013 8,013 A A4i, B1i, C3 1. January mean. Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 1,283 1,283 A B2 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1990 430 430 B B2 The area is important for its two traditional breeding sites of Platalea Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1990 11,043 11,043 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 leucorodia. 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1991 2,002 2,002 A B2 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1991 386 386 A B2, C6 ■ Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1992 77 77 B C6 Protection status National Partial International None 1. January mean. 70 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Hanenplas, 70 ha). 5 ha De Schorren is an important high-water roost for waders and of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Hanenplas II, 5 ha). 51 ha of ducks feeding in the Wadden Sea. The saltmarsh holds important IBA covered by Natural Monument (Korverskooi, 51 ha). 60 ha of breeding colonies of Platalea leucorodia, Sterna paradisaea and IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, 125,000 ha). 300 ha S. sandvicensis (until 1992). In spring Branta bernicla feeding of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee II, 80,000 ha). inland are concentrated at Zeeburg to alleviate agricultural damage 9 ha covered by Nature Reserve (‘t Stoar, 9 ha). 4 ha of IBA covered elsewhere on the island. Average seasonal peak number of waterbirds by Nature Reserve (De Petten, 4 ha). 800 ha of IBA covered by Nature during 1992–1996 was over 20,000. Reserve (Duinen Midden, Texel, 1,284 ha). 1,370 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Duinen Noord, Texel, 1,370 ha). 1,092 ha of IBA ■ Protection status covered by Nature Reserve (Duinen Zuid, Texel, 1,092 ha). National Partial International Partial 970 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Schorren van de ■ Conservation issues Eendracht, 970 ha). 286 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Recreation/tourism (B) (Waddenzee I, 125,000 ha). 1,256 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Schorren, 1,256 ha). 111 ha of IBA covered by Nature Threats include military training (De Hors) and increasing tourism, Reserve (Zeeburg, 111 ha). 1,256 ha of IBA covered by Special although large areas are closed to the public during the breeding Protection Area (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). season. The site is largely owned and managed as Nature Reserves by 1,256 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ the National Forestry Service. The saltmarsh and mudflats are [official, incorrect figure]). included in the SPA- and Ramsar-designated Wadden Sea.

■ Conservation issues Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Vlieland A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 004 Industrialization/urbanization (C), Recreation/tourism (B) Admin region Friesland Coordinates 53°17’N 4°59’E The main threats are shellfish fisheries (see site 001) and disturbance Altitude 0–30 m Area 2,740 ha of birds on the mudflats by anglers, worm-diggers, military training flights to and from the Vliehors (004), and by small aircraft. The saltmarsh and mudflats are included in the SPA- and ■ Site description Ramsar-designated Wadden Sea. The saltmarsh and the inland The site is 17 km long and covers 85% of this barrier island in the farmland are managed as Nature Reserves and closed to the public, Wadden Sea, lying between Texel and Terschelling (the village and although the area can be overlooked from the dyke. Although the the main tourist facilities on the east side have been excluded). The mudflats are legally protected as a Natural Monument they are not western half of the island (Vliehors) is an extensive sandflat (adjacent closed to shellfish fisheries and only partly closed to recreational to the Wadden Sea, site 001). The eastern part consists of an extensive activities. area of both shifting and fixed sand-dunes (the width of which varies

474 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

from 300 to 1,700 m), forestry plantations, some embanked brackish Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria lagoons (Kroonpolders) and mudflats (Posthuiswad). The western part Calidris canutus Knot P 1991 23,194 23,194 A A4i, B1i, C3 of the island (Vliehors) is an air-force training area. Other land-uses Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1989 30,118 30,118 A A4i, B1i, C3 include scattered houses, recreational facilities, hunting, and Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 159 159 A B2 groundwater abstraction. Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1992 19,012 19,012 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1993 4,067 4,067 B A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Habitats Wetland (94%; mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing brackish Numenius arquata Curlew N 1991 6,238 6,238 A A4i, B1i, C3 and salt water), Artificial landscape (6%; forestry plantation) Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1991 7,360 7,360 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (7%), Hunting (100%), Military (6%), Nature Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1991 1,600 1,600 A C2, C6 conservation/research (57%), Tourism/recreation (57%), Urban/industrial/transport (5%) Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1991 528 528 A C6 1. January mean. ■ Birds The area is important as a breeding site for terns Sterna, and as a high-tide roost for tens of thousands of waders which feed on the Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria surrounding mudflats. Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 34 34 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier B 1991 6 6 A C6 ■ Haematopus ostralegus N 1992 12,608 12,608 A A4i, B1i, C3 Protection status Oystercatcher National High International High Calidris canutus Knot W 1992 20,250 20,250 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 100 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, Calidris canutus Knot P 1990 16,850 16,850 B A4i, B1i, C3 125,000 ha). 100 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Griend, Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1992 5,320 5,320 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 100 ha). 100 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1992 19,012 19,012 A A4i, B1i, C2 (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 100 ha of IBA Numenius arquata Curlew N 1992 4,460 4,460 A A4i, B1i, C3 covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect Larus canus Common Gull B 1991 608 608 A B2 figure]). Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1992 905 905 B B3 The dunes hold a recently-established breeding colony of Platalea ■ Conservation issues leucorodia. The island also has a large number of Somateria mollissima Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A) (2,500 nests) and a large breeding colony of Larus argentatus. The mudflats south of the island are an important feeding area for tens of The main threat is the mechanical cockle Cardium fisheries on the thousands of waterbirds that have high-tide roosts in the polders and surrounding mudflats (see Wadden Sea, site 001). The island (leased on the Vliehors (count data for this sandflat hardly exist). to Natuurmonumenten) is closed to the public, with wardens/research teams present during the breeding season. The site has been designated ■ Protection status twice under the Ramsar Convention: in 1980 (23 ha), and in 1984 as National Partial International Partial part of the Wadden Sea. The role of the island as the main breeding 200 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, site for terns Sterna in the Dutch Wadden Sea has been safeguarded 125,000 ha). 1,350 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Vlieland, by the recent dyke construction. 1,840 ha). 367 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 367 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect Terschelling: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 006 figure]). De Boschplaat Admin region Friesland ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 53°26’N 5°28’E Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Groundwater abstraction (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Altitude 0–20 m Area 4,400 ha Threats include shellfish fisheries (Wadden Sea), air-force training on the Vliehors, and increasing tourism (although a large part of the area ■ Site description is closed to the public during the breeding season). The dune area and This site, comprising the eastern half of Terschelling island in the Kroonpolders are managed as a Nature Reserve by the National Wadden Sea, and being contiguous with site 007, consists of an Forestry Service. Only the mudflats of the Wadden Sea (of which extensive area of intertidal mudflats, raised saltmarshes, sand-dunes, c.100 ha are included in this site) and the Vliehors have been included and cord-grass Spartina swards, and lies adjacent to site 001. The area in the Ramsar and SPA designations. is protected from the North Sea by a sand dyke, built at the beginning of the twentieth century. This site, together with site 007, formed part of a single, larger site (Terschelling, former site NL005) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Griend A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 005 Admin region Friesland Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach) Coordinates 53°15’N 5°15’E Land-use Agriculture (5%), Hunting (100%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Altitude 0–2 m Area 100 ha Tourism/recreation (50%)

■ Site description ■ Birds A small, crescent-shaped island in the western part of the Wadden Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Sea (site 001 encloses the entire site) with beaches, intertidal Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 41 41 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 mudflats and sandflats, and raised saltmarshes. The island was Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1990 38 38 B B1i, C2 reinforced by building a 2.5 km long dyke on the northern side in Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1992 6,730 6,730 A A4i, B1i, C3 1987 with sand supplementation in 1988 to enlarge the breeding area Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1992 5,363 5,363 A A4i, B1i, C3 for terns Sterna. Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 2,114 2,114 A B1i, C3 Haematopus ostralegus N 1992 12,961 12,961 A A4i, B1i, C3 Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach) Oystercatcher Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Nature conservation/research (100%) Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1990 783 783 A B1i, C2 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1992 2,278 2,278 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Birds Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 5,465 5,465 A B1i, B2, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1992 20,392 20,392 A B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1992 9,601 9,601 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher N 1991 13,600 13,600 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1992 3,851 3,851 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1989 2,042 2,042 A A4i, B1i, C3 Numenius arquata Curlew N 1991 5,384 5,384 A A4i, B1i, C3 Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 31,833 31,833 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Tringa totanus Redshank N 1992 1,617 1,617 A B1i, C3

475 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Ameland: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 008 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1991 12,060 12,060 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 Duinen-Oerd 1. January mean. Admin region Friesland Coordinates 53°28’N 5°45’E The area is an important feeding area in spring for Branta bernicla Altitude 0–15 m Area 3,150 ha and is used as a high-tide roost by waterbirds that feed in the Wadden Sea. Platalea leucorodia and Larus fuscus breed in important numbers. ■ Site description ■ Protection status A 22-km long area of sand-dunes on the eastern side of this barrier National High International High island in the Wadden Sea (adjacent to site 001). The width of the dunes 4,400 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (De Boschplaat, varies from 100 m (near the main village) to 1.5 km. Other habitats 4,400 ha). 4,400 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Boschplaat, include saltmarshes (Neerlands Reid), sandflats (De Hon), and 4,400 ha). 3,500 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area intertidal mudflats. The site does not include the villages, extensive (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 3,500 ha of IBA touristic facilities, or the grassland polders that are intensively used covered by Ramsar Site (De Boschplaat, 4,400 ha). for dairy farming. Land-uses include natural-gas extraction, groundwater abstraction, hunting (restricted to rabbits), and reed- ■ Conservation issues harvesting. The area lies close to an airfield. Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction industry (C) Habitats Wetland (89%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach), Artificial landscape (11%; highly improved reseeded grassland; forestry plantation) The main threat is gas extraction in the Wadden Sea; collecting of Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (8%), Forestry (5%), Hunting (100%), Nature gull Larus eggs causes disturbance. The site was designated in 1980 conservation/research (20%), Tourism/recreation (58%) as a Ramsar Site, and again in 1984 as part of the Wadden Sea designation. The Nature Reserve is managed by the National Forestry Service, and is closed to the public during the breeding season (apart ■ Birds from a bicycle track along the sand dyke). The mudflats south of the Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria island have been closed to cockle Cardium and mussel Mytilus fishing Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1989 6 6 B B2, C6 since 1993. Hunting is restricted to rabbits. Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1991 9,327 9,327 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1990 6,727 6,727 A A4i, B1i, C3 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier B 1992 28 28 A C6 Terschelling: C6 007 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier B 1991 20 20 A C6 Dunes and Noordvaarder Haematopus ostralegus N 1991 54,916 54,916 A A4i, B1i, C3 Oystercatcher Admin region Friesland Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1990 797 797 B B1i, C2 Coordinates 53°25’N 5°19’E Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1990 2,066 2,066 A A4i, B1i, C3 Altitude 0–30 m Area 4,320 ha Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 2,050 2,050 B B2 1 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1990 10,314 10,314 A B2 ■ Site description Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1990 20,463 20,463 A B1i, C3 This site comprises the sand-dunes of the barrier island Terschelling Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 134 134 A B2 in the Wadden Sea, from an extensive sandflat in the west Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1991 13,025 13,025 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 1 (Noordvaarder) up to De Boschplaat (006) in the east. In the south it Numenius arquata Curlew W 1990 6,331 6,331 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Numenius arquata Curlew N 1991 13,036 13,036 A A4i, B1i, C3 is bordered by villages, grassland polders and conifer plantations. Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl B 1991 28 28 A C6 There are shifting and fixed dunes, with the latter covered in Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike B 1989 16 16 B C6 herbaceous vegetation or crowberry Empetrum nigrum, as well as humid dune-slacks. Land-uses include scattered holiday-houses, 1. January mean. recreational facilities, hunting, and groundwater abstraction. This site, The raised saltmarshes are an important spring feeding area for together with site 006, formed part of a single, larger site (Terschelling, Branta bernicla, and the area is also important as a high-tide roost for former site NL005) in the previous international IBA inventory tens of thousands of waterbirds which feed in the Wadden Sea. (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Protection status Habitats Wetland (92%; sand-dunes/sand beach), Artificial landscape (8%; forestry National Partial International Partial plantation) 265 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Neerlands Reid, Land-use Agriculture (5%), Hunting (100%), Nature conservation/research (100%), 265 ha). 50 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Vleijen en Tourism/recreation (50%) Nesserbos, 50 ha). 48 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Grauwe Duin e.o., 48 ha). 116 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve ■ Birds (Hagedorenveld, 116 ha). 33 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Jan Roepeheide, 33 ha). 22 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria (Kievitspolle, 22 ha). 12 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier B 1991 33 33 A C6 (Oostbosje en landschapselementen, 12 ha). 83 ha of IBA covered by Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier B 1991 36 36 B C6 Nature Reserve (Roosduinen, 83 ha). 950 ha of IBA covered by Special Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl B 1991 6 6 A C6 Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike B 1994 5 5 B C6 Protection Area (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 950 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). ■ Protection status National High International None ■ Conservation issues 150 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee II, Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction industry (B), 80,000 ha). 4,320 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Terschelling Groundwater abstraction (B), Recreation/tourism (B) [excluding Boschplaat], 4,938 ha). Threats include shellfish fisheries (Wadden Sea), gas extraction, ■ Conservation issues disturbance by small aircraft (the local airfield was extended recently), reed-harvesting, and an increase in tourism (although part of the dune Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction industry (C), Groundwater abstraction (B), area is closed to the public during the breeding season). The dune Recreation/tourism (B) area and the eastern part of the island are managed as Nature Reserves, Threats include increasing tourism, although part of the area is closed although only small parts are actually owned by conservation bodies. to the public during the breeding season. The Nature Reserve is The saltmarshes and mudflats are included in the SPA- and Ramsar- managed by the National Forestry Service. designated Wadden Sea.

476 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Engelsmanplaat A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 009 Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region Friesland 1 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 1,348 1,348 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 Coordinates 53°27’N 6°03’E 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1991 2,788 2,788 A B2 Altitude 0–1 m Area 720 ha Numenius arquata Curlew N 1991 6,856 6,856 A A4i, B1i, C3 Larus canus Common Gull B 1992 463 463 B B2 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1992 1,561 1,561 B B1i, B3, C3 ■ Site description Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl B 1992 3 3 B C6 An eroded islet in the Wadden Sea (site 001 encloses the entire site) Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike B 1992 5 5 B C6 between Schiermonnikoog, Ameland, and the mainland. The site 1. January mean. consists of bare intertidal sandbanks and mudflats. The raised saltmarshes are an important spring feeding area for Branta Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat) bernicla and the grassland polder is also a feeding area for Branta Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/ leucopsis. The area is an important high-tide roost for tens of thousands recreation (100%) of waterbirds that feed in the Wadden Sea. Platalea leucorodia established a breeding colony in 1994. ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National High International Partial Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1992 2,104 2,104 A A4i, B1i, C3 1,500 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, Numenius arquata Curlew N 1992 5,441 5,441 A A4i, B1i, C3 125,000 ha). 1,889 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve An important high-water roost for numerous waders, especially (Schiermonnikoog, 1,889 ha). 2,800 ha of IBA covered by National Pluvialis squatarola and Numenius arquata. The average seasonal peak Park (Schiermonnikoog, 5,400 ha). 855 ha of IBA covered by Special number of waterbirds during 1992–1996 exceeded 20,000. The site Protection Area (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). lost its breeding colony of terns Sterna during the early 1980s as a 855 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ result of leveling by erosion. [official, incorrect figure]).

■ Protection status ■ Conservation issues National High International High Threats Extraction industry (C), Groundwater abstraction (B), Recreation/tourism (B) 720 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, 125,000 ha). 720 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Threats include gas extraction and increasing tourism, although part (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 720 ha of IBA of the dune area is closed to the public during the breeding season. covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect The dune area and saltmarshes are managed as a Nature Reserve by figure]). Natuurmonumenten. The saltmarshes and part of the dunes fall within the boundaries of the Ramsar- and SPA-designated Wadden Sea. ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (A), Extraction industry (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Rottumerplaat A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4, C6 011 Monitoring during the breeding season was stopped in the late 1980s Admin region Groningen after the islet had lost its importance for breeding birds. Coordinates 53°32’N 6°30’E Altitude 0–6 m Area 782 ha

Schiermonnikoog A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 010 ■ Site description Admin region Friesland C2, C3, C4, C6 A small, uninhabited barrier island in the Wadden Sea between Coordinates 53°30’N 6°15’E Schiermonnikoog and Rottumeroog, with beaches, shifting and fixed Altitude 0–15 m Area 2,800 ha sand-dunes, saltmarshes, cord-grass Spartina swards, and mudflats (the entire site is enclosed by site 001). The accretion of the island was ■ Site description promoted by the building of a sand dyke, which was reinforced in the The site comprises the main part of the easternmost of the five 1970s. There are a small number of guided excursions, otherwise the inhabited barrier islands in the Wadden Sea (adjacent to site 001), island is closed to the public. Hunting is restricted to rabbits. The site but excludes the village and the adjoining part of grassland polder. (all of the mudflats south of the island) has been entirely closed to The total length is 14 km, with a maximum width of 2,500 m. Habitats cockle Cardium and mussel Mytilus fishing since 1993. Coastal defence include beaches, shifting and fixed sand-dunes with herbaceous measures have been reduced since 1988. This site, together with vegetation or crowberry Empetrum nigrum, humid dune-slacks, cord- site 012, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL009) in the grass Spartina swards, saltmarshes, mudflats, freshwater marsh and previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). improved grassland. Land-uses include scattered houses, recreational Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach) facilities, dairy farming and groundwater abstraction. Land-use Hunting (5%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (100%) Habitats Wetland (88%; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach), Artificial landscape (8%; highly improved reseeded grassland) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (8%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Hunting (35%), Nature conservation/research (67%), Tourism/recreation (50%), Water management (8%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Haematopus ostralegus N 1992 16,640 16,640 B A4i, B1i, C3 Oystercatcher ■ Birds Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1991 2,686 2,686 A A4i, B1i, C3 Calidris canutus Knot P 1991 12,556 12,556 A A4i, B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1991 37,977 37,977 A A4i, B1i, C3 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1990 4,883 4,883 B A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Numenius arquata Curlew N 1992 6,351 6,351 B A4i, B1i, C3 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1991 3,202 3,202 A B1i, C3 Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1991 103 103 A C6 Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 606 606 A B1i, C3 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier B 1992 14 14 B C6 An important high-tide roost for waterbirds that feed in the Wadden Haematopus ostralegus N 1991 28,279 28,279 A A4i, B1i, C3 Sea. Oystercatcher Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1991 3,136 3,136 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Protection status Calidris canutus Knot W 1990 2,590 2,590 B B2 National High International High Calidris canutus Knot P 1991 24,936 24,936 A A4i, B1i, C3 782 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1991 23,237 23,237 A A4i, B1i, C3 125,000 ha). 782 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area

477 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

(Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 782 ha of IBA is restricted to dyke slopes and (occasionally) saltmarsh. The site has covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect been entirely closed to cockle Cardium and mussel Mytilus fishing figure]). since 1993.

Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Nature conservation/ Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Extraction industry (C) research (100%), Tourism/recreation (10%) Gas extraction in the Wadden Sea (resulting in subsidence) is a threat. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Rottumeroog A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 012 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 144 144 A B1i, C2, C6 Admin region Groningen Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1991 5,201 5,201 A A4i, B1i, C3 Coordinates 53°33’N 6°35’E Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 871 871 A B1i, C3 Altitude 0–9 m Area 311 ha Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher N 1991 31,037 31,037 A A4i, B1i, C3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 384 384 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1991 1,215 1,215 A A4i, B1i, C2 ■ Site description Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 32,560 32,560 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 A small, uninhabited barrier island in the Wadden Sea (entirely Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1991 34,995 34,995 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 enclosed by site 001), between Rottumeroog and the Eems/Dollard Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 1,027 1,027 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 estuary. The site includes the Zuiderduintjes, a isolated dune area, Numenius arquata Curlew N 1991 13,348 13,348 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N 1991 1,177 1,177 A A4i, B1i, C3 2 km south of the main island. The island, which was located at the Tringa totanus Redshank N 1991 2,652 2,652 A B1i, C3 present position of Rottumerplaat 350 years ago, is being reduced by Arenaria interpres Turnstone N 1991 832 832 A A4i, B1i, C3 erosion. Habitats include sandflats and mudflats, shifting and fixed Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1991 1,035 1,035 A C2, C6 sand-dunes, saltmarshes, and cord-grass Spartina swards. The island Chlidonias niger Black Tern P 1991 90,367 90,367 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 is closed to the public; hunting taking place to reduce rabbit numbers. 1. November–January mean. The site (all the mudflats south of the island) has been entirely closed to cockle Cardium and mussel Mytilus fishing since 1993. This site, The site is an important high-tide roost for tens of thousands of together with site 011, formed part of a single, larger site (former waterbirds, and huge numbers of Chlidonias niger roost here at night site NL009) in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett in late summer, after feeding during the day on the IJsselmeer (034). and Jones 1989). It holds important breeding numbers of Recurvirostra avosetta and Sterna hirundo; the small areas of saltmarsh are the only available Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach) breeding sites for these species in this part of the Wadden Sea. Land-use Hunting (100%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (10%) ■ Protection status ■ Birds National High International High Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 6,000 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, Haematopus ostralegus N 1992 19,180 19,180 B A4i, B1i, C3 125,000 ha). 6,000 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Oystercatcher (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 6,000 ha of IBA Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1992 3,069 3,069 B A4i, B1i, C3 covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect 1 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1992 6,254 6,254 A B2 figure]). Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1992 29,120 29,120 B A4i, B1i, C3 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1992 5,578 5,578 B A4i, B1i, B2, C3 ■ Conservation issues Numenius arquata Curlew N 1991 6,854 6,854 A A4i, B1i, C3 Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1991 60 60 A C6 Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 25 25 A B2, C6 Disturbance by the public, planes and helicopters (air-force base near 1. January mean. Den Helder) and the (illegal) taking of eggs are problems. The An important high-tide roost for waterbirds that feed in the Wadden saltmarshes are managed as a nature reserve (but not owned) by Sea. Noordhollands Landschap.

■ Protection status National High International High A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 311 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, Frisian 014 Wadden Sea coast C2, C3, C4, C6 125,000 ha). 311 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Admin region Friesland (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 311 ha of IBA Coordinates 53°20’N 5°45’E covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect Altitude 1–2 m Area 9,310 ha figure]).

■ Conservation issues ■ Site description An extensive area of intertidal mudflats, saltmarshes, and grassland Threats Extraction industry (C) polders outside the Wadden Sea dyke of Friesland (total length 40 km). Gas extraction in the Wadden Sea (resulting in subsidence) is a threat. The site is contiguous with the Wadden Sea IBA (site 001), and adjacent to Lauwersmeer (015) in the east. Land reclamation by the furthering of natural accretion (intensified since the 1930s) has ended, but the existing system of dams and ditches will be maintained to Balgzand A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 013 reduce erosion. Admin region Noord-Holland Coordinates 52°55’N 4°46’E Habitats Wetland (87%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh), Artificial landscape (13%; highly Altitude (-10)–0 m Area 6,000 ha improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (13%), Fisheries/aquaculture (65%), Hunting (50%), Nature conservation/research (91%), Tourism/recreation (25%) ■ Site description An extensive area of intertidal mudflats and sandflats in the western part of the Wadden Sea, between the harbour area of Den Helder and ■ Birds the Amsteldiep gully (site 001 is contiguous with this site). Along the This is the main feeding site for Branta leucopsis and B. bernicla dyke are some small saltmarshes, partly extended in the late 1980s to in winter, in the Netherlands at least, and possibly over a much compensate for habitat loss due to dyke reinforcement. Stock farming greater area. The saltmarshes and polders are an important high-tide

478 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1990 35,636 35,636 B A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Anas strepera Gadwall N 1990 1,396 1,396 A A4i, B1i, C3 Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1990 30,423 30,423 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas crecca Teal N 1991 12,783 12,783 A B1i, C3 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1990 14,545 14,545 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 11,702 11,702 A B1i, C3 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1990 18,984 18,984 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1991 2,740 2,740 A B1i, C3 Haematopus ostralegus N 1990 41,373 41,373 A A4i, B1i, C3 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier B 1991 50 50 A C6 Oystercatcher Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1991 3 3 A C6 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1993 2,241 2,241 B A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 116 116 A B3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1990 4,618 4,618 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Philomachus pugnax Ruff B 1991 89 89 A C6 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1990 6,616 6,616 A A4i, B1i, C3 Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1991 63 63 A C6 1 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1990 9,161 9,161 A B2 Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl B 1991 9 9 A C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1990 42,094 42,094 A A4i, B1i, C3 An important area for non-breeding Platalea leucorodia and a wide Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1990 14,521 14,521 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 variety of waterfowl. 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1990 15,054 15,054 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Numenius arquata Curlew N 1990 24,764 24,764 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Protection status Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N 1990 729 729 B A4i, B1i, C3 National Partial International None Tringa totanus Redshank N 1990 5,653 5,653 A A4i, B1i, C3 5,504 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Lauwersmeer I, 1. January mean. 5,504 ha). 196 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Lauwersmeer roost for waterbirds that feed in the Wadden Sea. This is also the II, 196 ha). 113 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bantpolder, most important breeding site for Recurvirostra avosetta in the 113 ha). 49 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bochtjesplaat, Netherlands. 49 ha). 4,617 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Lauwersmeer, 4,617 ha). ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Conservation issues 2,270 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction 125,000 ha). 4,800 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Noord- industry (C), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Friesland buitendijks, 4,800 ha). 700 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Noord-Friesland buitendijks II, 700 ha). 670 ha of IBA The main threats include increasing tourism and boating, military covered by Natural Monument (Kwelder langs de noordkust van training (artillery practice), gas extraction in the Wadden Sea, Friesland, 670 ha). 964 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Noord commercial reed-harvesting since 1996/1997 (‘Other’ threat, above), Friesland buitendijks, 940 ha). 9,310 ha of IBA covered by Special and nutrient pollution (mainly from agriculture). The importance Protection Area (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). of the area for breeding and feeding birds is decreasing due to the 8,360 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ natural succession of vegetation and the desalinization of the soil after [official, incorrect figure]). reclamation.

■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance Groningen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 016 to birds (C), Extraction industry (C), Industrialization/urbanization (C) Wadden Sea coast C2, C3, C4, C6 Admin region Groningen Apart from about 1,000 ha of summer polders, the site is largely Coordinates 53°26’N 6°34’E included in the Ramsar-designated Wadden Sea. Altitude 0–2 m Area 4,600 ha

■ Site description A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 Lauwersmeer 015 An extensive area of intertidal mudflats, saltmarshes and grassland Admin region Groningen, Friesland polders outside the Wadden Sea dyke of Groningen (total length Coordinates 53°22’N 6°13’E 34 km), contiguous with the Wadden Sea itself (site 001). The site is Altitude (-13)–(-2) m Area 7,820 ha adjacent in the east to Lauwersmeer (015) and to the Eems/Dollard estuary together with the port and industrial area of Eemshaven. Land ■ Site description reclamation by the furthering of natural accretion (intensified since A dammed estuary, formerly part of the Wadden Sea (closed off in the 1930s) has been ended, but the existing system of dams and ditches 1969), which has become freshwater, though the estuary structure will be maintained to reduce erosion. One-third of the mudflats have remains. The surrounding area is mainly open grassland and arable been closed to shellfish fisheries. land with scattered farms. The site is adjacent to the Wadden Sea Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh) (site 001) in the north, the Frisian Wadden Sea coast (014) in the west Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (66%), Hunting (30%), Nature and the Groningen Wadden Sea coast (016) in the east. Hunting is conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (100%) allowed but with restrictions on quarry species (and will be terminated in the near future). ■ Birds Habitats Wetland (44%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (51%; highly improved reseeded grassland; arable land; forestry plantation), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Unknown (5%) Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1990 8,221 8,221 B A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (25%), Hunting (10%), Military (35%), Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1990 7,789 7,789 B A4i, B1i, C3 Nature conservation/research (73%), Tourism/recreation (65%), Urban/industrial/ Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1990 9,349 9,349 B A4i, B1i, C3 Haematopus ostralegus N 1991 41,446 41,446 B A4i, B1i, C3 transport (26%), Water management (100%) Oystercatcher Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 1,263 1,263 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 ■ Birds Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1990 4,091 4,091 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1990 8,968 8,968 B A4i, B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Calidris canutus Knot W 1990 889 889 B B2 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1990 164 164 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1990 26,474 26,474 B A4i, B1i, C3

Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1990 3,053 3,053 A A4i,B1i, B2, C2, C6 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1990 12,330 12,330 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1990 65 65 A B3, C6 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1990 14,693 14,693 B A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1991 7,508 7,508 A B1i, C3 Numenius arquata Curlew N 1990 15,788 15,788 B A4i, B1i, C3 Anser anser Greylag Goose N 1991 9,445 9,445 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tringa totanus Redshank N 1990 2,445 2,445 B B1i, C3 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1990 18,080 18,080 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1991 17,850 17,850 A B1i, C3 1. January mean.

479 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

The saltmarshes and polders form an important high-tide roost North Sea north of A4i, A4iii, B1i, C2, C3, C4, C6 018 for waterbirds that feed in the Wadden Sea and are an important the Wadden Sea feeding area for Branta bernicla and B. leucopsis. This is the second Admin region Groningen, Friesland, Noord-Holland most important breeding site for Recurvirostra avosetta in the Coordinates 53°20’N 5°00’E Netherlands. Altitude (-20)–0 m Area 187,000 ha ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Site description 3,380 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, An extensive area of coastal waters, extending from the Eems/Dollard 125,000 ha). 1,220 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument estuary and German border in the east across to Groet (Noord- (Kwelders langs de noordkust van Groningen, 1,220 ha). 90 ha of IBA Holland) in the south. The area is adjacent to 11 IBAs (001, 003–004, covered by Nature Reserve (Kwelders Groninger Noordkust, 90 ha). 006–012, 019). The outer boundary follows roughly the line of 43 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Uithuizerwad, 43 ha). 20 metres depth. Important habitats include shallowly submerged 4,600 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Waddenzee, sandbanks. ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 4,600 ha of IBA Habitats Marine areas (100%; open sea) covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Urban/industrial/ figure]). transport (20%) ■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction industry (C), Industrialization/urbanization (C) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver W 1990 7,000 7,000 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 1,2 Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver W 1990 750 750 B C6 Somateria mollissima Eider N 1993 22,125 22,125 A B1i, C3 Dollard A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 017 Melanitta nigra Common Scoter W 1993 94,250 94,250 A A4i, B1i, C3 Admin region Groningen 1. Number estimated from boat counts. Coordinates 53°17’N 7°08’E 2. Majority of Dutch wintering population. Altitude (-2)–2 m Area 6,400 ha The number of Somateria mollissima increased during the winters of 1992/93 and 1993/94 due to food shortage in the Wadden Sea. ■ Site description An estuary with saltmarshes and intertidal mudflats; the site includes ■ Protection status a small artificial lagoon located just at the inland side of the dyke National None International None (Polder Breebaert). The Dollard estuary is partly located in Germany, and this site lies adjacent to the Wadden Sea (site 001) and to Emden ■ Conservation issues Harbour in the German part of the Dollard. Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Disturbance to birds (B) Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh) The zone lying up to three nautical miles offshore from islands is Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Hunting (20%), Nature conservation/research included in the Trilateral Cooperation Area between Denmark, (100%), Tourism/recreation (50%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%) Germany and Netherlands with regard to the protection of the Wadden Sea. The ecological target for this zone is a “favourable food ■ Birds availability for birds” (as agreed upon in 1994). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 1991 9,960 9,960 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1991 37,292 37,292 A A4i, B1i, C3 Zwanenwater B1i, B2, C2 019 Anser anser Greylag Goose N 1990 9,188 9,188 A A4i, B1i, C3 Admin region Noord-Holland Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 2,807 2,807 A A4i, B1i, B2 Anas crecca Teal N 1991 4,639 4,639 A B1i, C3 Coordinates 52°49’N 4°42’E Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 207 207 A B3 Altitude 2–13 m Area 600 ha Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1990 1,844 1,844 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1991 21,465 21,465 A B1i, C3 ■ Site description Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1990 8,864 8,864 — A4i, B1i, C2 An area of shifting and fixed sand-dunes along the mainland Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N 1990 1,414 1,414 B A4i, B1i, C3 coast, with humid dune-slacks, two lakes, coastal marshes, and An important feeding and roosting area for ducks and waders. Four woodland. species of geese fly in to roost during winter from an extensive feeding Habitats Wetland (100%; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water) area in Germany and the Netherlands. Large numbers of Recurvirostra Land-use Nature conservation/research (98%), Water management (100%) avosetta nest inland, but the young are often not able to move to the feeding areas of the Dollard. ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National High International High Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 30 30 A B1i, B2, C2 4,900 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Dollard, 4,900 ha). Larus canus Common Gull B 1991 397 397 A B2 96 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Dollard II, 96 ha). 1,341 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waddenzee I, A traditional breeding colony of Platalea leucorodia. 125,000 ha). 63 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Breebaert, 63 ha). 345 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Dollard GRL, ■ Protection status 345 ha). 3,844 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Dollard NM, National High International High 3,844 ha). 6,337 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area 586 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Zwanenwater, 600 ha). (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect figure]). 6,337 ha of IBA 600 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Zwanenwater, covered by Ramsar Site (Waddenzee, ‘250,000 ha’ [official, incorrect 600 ha). 600 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Zwanenwater, 600 ha). figure]). ■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (B) Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Extraction industry (C) Disturbance is caused by a shooting range to the south of the site.

480 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Conservation issues Voordelta A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 020 Admin region Zuid-Holland, Zeeland Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Coordinates 51°43’N 3°35’E Disturbance to birds (B) Altitude (-20)–0 m Area 107,000 ha The main threats concern shellfish fisheries, the planned extension of the industrial area of Rotterdam (Maasvlakte), and leisure aircraft ■ Site description causing disturbance. An extensive area of coastal waters of the North Sea, extending from Rotterdam in the north up to the Westerschelde estuary (032) in the south. The site also adjoins the closed-off delta area of the Rhine/ Voornes Duin B1i, B2, C2, C3 022 Maas river system, which includes seven other IBAs (021–024, 027– Admin region Zuid-Holland 029), and is close to Vlaamse Banken in Belgium. Important habitats Coordinates 51°54’N 4°03’E include shallowly submerged sandbanks and intertidal mud- and Altitude 3–14 m Area 1,130 ha sandflats. This site, together with sites 022 and 023, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL046) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Site description The least spoiled dune area in the Netherlands, located between Habitats Marine areas (96%; open sea) Oostvoorne (close to 021) and Haringvliet (024). The area includes two Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (96%), Military (30%), Tourism/recreation (22%), Urban/ lakes (Breedewater, Quackjeswater) and mesotrophic dune-slacks industrial/transport (5%) surrounded by Alnus woodland and wet dune-valleys. Hunting does not include wildfowl. This site, together with sites 020 and 023, formed ■ Birds part of a single, larger site (former site NL046) in the previous pan- Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). 1 Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 3,460 3,460 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Habitats Wetland (100%; sand-dunes/sand beach) 1. Seasonal peak number probably underestimated and exceeds A4i threshold. Land-use Hunting (5%), Nature conservation/research (98%), Tourism/recreation (52%), Water management (100%) In winter this area holds fluctuating numbers of Aythya marila (max. 5,550, 1992/93), Somateria mollissima (max. 9,968, 1992/93) and Melanitta nigra (max. 20,000, 1986/87). The mean total of waterbirds ■ Birds in February (1992/93–1994/95) exceeds 20,000. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1991 1,055 1,055 A B1i, C3 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 10 10 A B1i, B2, C2 National None International Low 395 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Kwade Hoek, A small dune-slack holds breeding Platalea leucorodia and Phalacrocorax 825 ha). carbo.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National High International None Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), 312 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Duinen van Oostvoorne, Recreation/tourism (B) 312 ha). 800 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Voornes Duin, The main threats concern shellfish fisheries and pollution. Sedimentation 800 ha). has increased due to the hydrological works on the Rhine/Maas delta, which have involved the closing of several sea arms, i.e. Haringvliet, ■ Conservation issues Grevelingen and Oosterschelde (024, 027, 028). The SPA-designated Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), Disturbance to birds (A), Recreation/tourism (B) Kwade Hoek (see site 023) also includes a small part of this area. The planned extension of the industrial area of Rotterdam (Maasvlakte), recreation, and leisure aircraft causing disturbance are the main threats. Westplaat B1i, B3, C3, C6 021 Admin region Zuid-Holland Coordinates 51°55’N 4°02’E Kwade Hoek B1i, B2, C2, C6 023 Altitude 0–0 m Area 350 ha Admin region Zuid-Holland Coordinates 51°50’N 4°00’E Altitude 2–5 m Area 430 ha ■ Site description A shallow bay between the old coast (Voornes Duin, site 022) and the harbour extension of Rotterdam (Maasvlakte), bordered by the ■ Site description Voordelta (020) on the seaward side. It is part of the former mouth of A small area of dunes, saltmarshes and mudflats between Haringvliet the River Maas, which was closed off in 1966. (024) and the Voordelta (020). This site, together with sites 020 and 022, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL046) in the Habitats Wetland (90%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh), Marine areas (10%; open sea) previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/ recreation (10%) Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach) Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (50%) ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 174 174 A B3 Tringa totanus Redshank N 1991 2,275 2,275 B B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1991 88 88 A C6 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1992 127 127 B B1i, C2, C6 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1992 1,246 1,246 A B2 A recently built small islet holds breeding terns Sterna, Recurvirostra avosetta and Charadrius alexandrinus. The mudflats are attractive to An important feeding and roosting site for Platalea leucorodia, waders on passage. particularly those from the Voornes Duin colony (022).

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National None International None National Low International High

481 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

27 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kop van Goeree, 27 ha). Monument (Grasgorzen tussen Den Bommel en de Hellegatsdam, 5 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kwade Hoek, 5 ha). 430 ha 70 ha). 13 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Kleiput in de of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Kwade Hoek, 825 ha). Tiendgorzen, 13 ha). 400 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Korendijkse Slikken, 400 ha). 14 ha of IBA covered by Natural ■ Conservation issues Monument (Leenheren Buitengorzen, 14 ha). 30 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Oosterse Laagjes, 30 ha). 461 ha of IBA covered Threats Industrialization/urbanization (C), Recreation/tourism (B) by Nature Reserve (Korendijkse Slikken, 461 ha). 322 ha of IBA covered The SPA-designation also includes a small part of Voordelta (020). by Nature Reserve (Grasgorzen Haringvliet, 322 ha). 275 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Blanke Slikken, 275 ha). 377 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Beningerslikken, 377 ha). 26 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Quackgors, 26 ha). 30 ha of IBA covered Haringvliet A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 024 by Nature Reserve (Scheelhoek, 30 ha). Admin region Zuid-Holland Coordinates 51°46’N 4°15’E ■ Conservation issues Altitude (-22)–(-1) m Area 10,900 ha Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Site description Together with the adjoining Hollands Diep (025), this is one of the The main problems are heavily polluted sediments and nutrient former estuaries of the Rhine/Maas river system, closed from the sea pollution (‘Other’ threat, above). in 1970. Essentially a 27-km long stagnant freshwater lake, bordered by reedbeds, willow Salix scrub and wet meadows. The water-level varies, depending on the river supply. The site is separated at the west Hollands Diep A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 025 end from the Hollands Diep by a bridge and from Lake Volkerak Admin region Noord-Brabant, Zuid-Holland (026) by a dam. This site, together with site 025, formed part of a Coordinates 51°42’N 4°30’E single, larger site (former site NL047) in the previous pan-European Altitude (-20)–(-1) m Area 4,300 ha IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989).

Habitats Wetland (87%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial ■ Site description landscape (13%; highly improved reseeded grassland) A stagnant 17-km long freshwater lake, located between Haringvliet Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (65%), Hunting (80%), Nature (024) and Biesbosch (051), bordered by reedbeds and grassland polders. conservation/research (32%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (80%), Urban/industrial/ The water-level varies, depending on the river supply. This site, together transport (51%), Water management (100%) with site 024, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL047) in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Birds Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water), Artificial landscape (10%; highly improved Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria reseeded grassland) Anser anser Greylag Goose N 1992 4,001 4,001 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Hunting (30%), Nature Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 15,818 15,818 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 conservation/research (8%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%), Anas penelope Wigeon W 1992 15,623 15,623 A B1i, C3 Water management (100%) Anas strepera Gadwall N 1992 484 484 A B1i, C3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 86 86 A B3 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1991 864 864 A C2, C6 ■ Birds Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 24 24 A B2, C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The open water and sandbanks are used as a roost by large numbers of geese Anser from the surrounding arable and grassland polders (no Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 1,032 1,032 A B2 Anas strepera Gadwall N 1992 326 326 A B1i, C3 counts are available). The grassland bordering the Haringvliet is important as a feeding site for Branta leucopsis and as a breeding area The site is especially important for roosting geese from surrounding for waders and marsh species. The area holds two breeding colonies feeding areas, although there have been few counts of numbers. The of Sterna hirundo (one also in use by Sterna albifrons). The mean total average seasonal peak number of waterbirds during 1992–1996 of waterbirds in January exceeds 20,000. exceeded 20,000.

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International None National Low International None 190 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Slijkplaat, 190 ha). 235 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Esscheplaat, 900 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Ventjagersplaten ten Zeehondenplaat en Sasseplaat, 235 ha). 30 ha of IBA covered by Natural noorden van de Hellegatsdam, 900 ha). 60 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Esscheplaat, Zeehondenplaat en Sasseplaat II, 30 ha). 40 ha Monument (Westerse Laagjes, 60 ha). 70 ha of IBA covered by Natural of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Hoogezandse Gorzen, 40 ha). Monument (Westplaat buitengronden en Meneersche Plaat, 70 ha). 55 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Oosterse Slobbegorzen, 24 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Quackgors I, 24 ha). 45 ha 55 ha). 97 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Esscheplaat, 97 ha). of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Riet-en grasgorzen II Quackgors, 45 ha). 10 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Riet- ■ Conservation issues en grasgorzen II Quackgors, 10 ha). 5 ha of IBA covered by Natural Threats Industrialization/urbanization (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Monument (Riet- en grasgorzen II Westerse Laagjes, 5 ha). 5 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Rietgorzen Oosterse Laagjes, 5 ha). The main problems are heavily polluted sediments and nutrient 60 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Rietgorzen Stad a/h pollution. Haringvliet-Den Bommel, 60 ha). 380 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Scheelhoek, 380 ha). 130 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (‘s Lands bekade Gorzen, 130 ha). 380 ha of IBA covered Lake Volkerak A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 026 by Natural Monument (Beninger Slikken, 380 ha). 20 ha of IBA covered Admin region Noord-Brabant, Zuid-Holland, Zeeland by Natural Monument (Beninger Slikken, 20 ha). 54 ha of IBA covered Coordinates 51°39’N 4°15’E by Natural Monument (Blanke Slikken, 54 ha). 200 ha of IBA covered Altitude (-15)–(-1) m Area 6,300 ha by Natural Monument (Blanke Slikken, 200 ha). 55 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Gorzen Oosterse Laagjes, 55 ha). 18 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Grasgorzen Griendweipolder, 18 ha). ■ Site description 60 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Grasgorzen Stad a/h A former tidal estuary of the Rhine/Maas river sytem, closed off from Haringvliet-Den Bomm, 60 ha). 70 ha of IBA covered by Natural the Oosterschelde (028) in 1987. It also adjoins Grevelingen (027) in

482 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands the west, Haringvliet/Hollands Diep (024/025) in the north, and is ■ Birds linked with the Zoommeer (029) via the Schelde–Rhine river Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria connection (shipping lane to Antwerp). The 20-km long stagnant Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1990 3,013 3,013 A B1i, C3 freshwater lake includes some islets. Hunting is allowed but with Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1993 34 34 A B1i, C2 restrictions as to quarry species. Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 222 222 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 11,053 11,053 A A4i,B1i,B2, C2,C6 Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1991 3,752 3,752 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (60%), Hunting (100%), Nature conservation/ Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 1,635 1,635 A B1i, C3 research (54%), Tourism/recreation (60%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%), Water Bucephala clangula Goldeneye W 1991 4,823 4,823 A A4i, B1i, C3 management (100%) Mergus serrator W 1990 3,883 3,883 A A4i, B1i, C3 Red-breasted Merganser

■ Birds Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 420 420 A A4i,B1i,B3, C2,C6 Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover B 1991 103 103 A B2 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1991 2,850 2,850 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 2,872 2,872 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1991 12,515 12,515 A B1i, C3 This clear, saline lake is especially attractive to piscivorous waterbirds, Anas strepera Gadwall N 1991 424 424 A B1i, C3 and the grassland bordering the northern shores (Slikken van Flakkee) Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 601 601 A B1i, C3 is one of the main feeding sites of Branta leucopsis in south-west Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1991 1,251 1,251 A B1i, C3 Netherlands. The site holds important roosts of geese. The mean total Bucephala clangula Goldeneye W 1991 3,187 3,187 A B1i, C3 number of waterbirds in January exceeds 20,000. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 532 532 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1991 1,833 1,833 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 ■ Protection status Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover B 1991 105 105 A B2 National None International None Larus melanocephalus B 1991 15 15 A C6 Mediterranean Gull ■ Conservation issues Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 36 36 A B2, C6 Threats Industrialization/urbanization (C), Recreation/tourism (B) An important site for breeding Recurvirostra avosetta, Charadrius alexandrinus (max. 184 pairs, 1989) and Sterna albifrons, but numbers Numbers of herbivorous bird species such as Cygnus olor and Aythya are decreasing due to vegetation succession. The best breeding site for ferina have been much reduced due to the near-disappearance of eel- Larus melanocephalus in the Netherlands (e.g. 143 pairs in 1993). The grass Zostera. mean total number of waterbirds in January exceeds 20,000.

■ Protection status Oosterschelde A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 028 National Partial International High Admin region Zeeland 3,300 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Krammer- Coordinates 51°35’N 3°56’E Volkerak I, 3,300 ha). 130 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument Altitude (-44)–0 m Area 36,880 ha (Krammer-Volkerak II, 130 ha). 295 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Krammersche Slikken, 295 ha). 15 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Schorren bij Ooltgensplaat, 15 ha). 4 ha of IBA ■ Site description covered by Nature Reserve (Slikken van de Heen, 4 ha). 193 ha of This 40-km long water-body was formerly an estuary of the Rhine/ IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Slikken van de Heen II, 193 ha). Maas river system, via Hollands Diep (025) and Lake Volkerak (026), 600 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Slikken van de Heen en but has been closed off from the sea since 1986 by a storm-surge barrier Plaat van de Vliet, 600 ha). 12 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve which allows the tidal regime to continue with some restrictions. The (Dintelse Gorzen, 12 ha). 493 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve sea can be completely shut out during storms or high tides. Two (Dintelse Gorzen II, 493 ha). 420 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve freshwater lakes have developed on the eastern side following the (Hellegatsplaten, 420 ha). 18 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve construction of secondary dams (Markiezaat and Zoommeer, 029 and (Inlaag 1887, 18 ha). 6,300 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection 030). South of this area, Lake Veersemeer (031) came into being Area (Krammer-Volkerak, 6,450 ha). 6,300 ha of IBA covered by following the closing of the Veerse Gat in 1961. This site, together Ramsar Site (Krammer-Volkerak, 6,450 ha). with sites 029 and 030, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL050) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett ■ Conservation issues and Jones 1989). Threats Other (U) Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Nature conservation/research (65%), Tourism/ The main problem is nutrient pollution (‘Other’ threat, above). recreation (80%), Urban/industrial/transport (21%), Water management (100%) The bird-species composition outside the breeding season is much affected by the ongoing change from a salt- to a freshwater ecosystem. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1990 443 443 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Grevelingen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 027 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 1,645 1,645 A B2 Admin region Zuid-Holland, Zeeland Branta bernicla Brent Goose N 1990 13,175 13,175 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1991 3,572 3,572 A B1i, C3 Coordinates 51°45’N 4°00’E Anas penelope Wigeon W 1991 16,344 16,344 A B1i, C3 Altitude (-18)–0 m Area 13,580 ha Anas acuta Pintail N 1990 3,440 3,440 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1990 858 858 A B1i, C3 ■ Site description Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher N 1990 94,595 94,595 A A4i, B1i, C3 A former estuary, 18 km in length, which was closed from the sea in Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 361 361 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2 Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover B 1991 40 40 A B2 1971. It is now a stagnant saline lake, mostly bordered by dykes with Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1991 7,974 7,974 A A4i, B1i, C3 islets, sand-dunes and wet meadows. It adjoins the Voordelta (020) to Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 9,424 9,424 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 the west, and Lake Volkerak (026) and Oosterschelde (028) to the Calidris canutus Knot P 1990 14,128 14,128 A A4i, B1i, C3 east. Hunting does not include waterbirds. 1 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1991 25,361 25,361 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1990 39,459 39,459 A A4i, B1i, C3 Habitats Wetland (80%; standing brackish and salt water), Artificial landscape (20%; Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 5,109 5,109 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 highly improved reseeded grassland) Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1991 9,170 9,170 A A4i, B1i, C2 Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Hunting (20%), Nature 1 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1991 6,084 6,084 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Water management (100%) Numenius arquata Curlew N 1990 13,115 13,115 A A4i, B1i, C3

483 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Conservation issues Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N 1990 1,319 1,319 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) Tringa totanus Redshank N 1991 2,743 2,743 A B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone N 1991 1,334 1,334 A A4i, B1i, C3 The main problems are nutrient pollution and intensive grazing. 1. January mean. This is the most important intertidal staging area for ducks and waders B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 in south-west Netherlands. Thousands of geese Anser, feeding Markiezaat 030 Admin region Noord-Brabant, Zeeland in adjacent farmland polders, use the area as roost. Recurvirostra Coordinates 51°28’N 4°16’E avosetta and Charadrius alexandrinus breed in small lagoons (‘inlagen’, Altitude 0–0 m Area 2,030 ha inland of the dyke) and at Neeltje Jans (building site of storm-surge barrier). ■ Site description ■ Protection status A stagnant shallow freshwater lake with reedbeds and wet meadows, National Partial International High which was cut off from the Oosterschelde (028) in 1983. It is adjacent 340 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Oosterschelde- to the Zoommeer (029) in the north-west, with the city of Bergen op binnendijks, 340 ha). 240 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument Zoom at the north-eastern border, and the Schelde–Rhine river (Oosterschelde-binnendijks, 240 ha). 1,230 ha of IBA covered by connection at the west side. This site, together with sites 028 and 029, Natural Monument (Oosterschelde-buitendijks, 1,230 ha). 22,000 ha formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL050) in the previous of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Oosterschelde-buitendijks, pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). 22,000 ha). 224 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Schelphoek, Habitats Wetland (82%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial 224 ha). 149 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Thoolse Schorren landscape (18%; highly improved reseeded grassland) en Slikken, 149 ha). 10 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Inlagen Land-use Agriculture (10%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/research (92%) Anna Friso, 10 ha). 45 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Inlagen Noord-Beveland, 45 ha). 752 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Oosterschelde Buitendijks, 752 ha). 36,160 ha of IBA covered by ■ Birds Special Protection Area (Oosterschelde, 38,000 ha). 36,160 ha of IBA Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria covered by Ramsar Site (Oosterschelde en Markiezaat, 38,000 ha). Anas strepera Gadwall N 1990 916 916 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1990 455 455 A B1i, C3 ■ Conservation issues Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 265 265 A B1i, B3, C2 Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover B 1991 30 30 A B2 Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Larus melanocephalus B 1991 14 14 A C6 Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction industry (B), Recreation/tourism (A) Mediterranean Gull The main problems are: the reduction of tidal volume and flow-speed The site is a roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas, but by 30% due to the building of the storm-surge barrier; cockle Cardium no counts are available. fisheries and shellfish farming; disturbance by ultra-light aircraft and by the air force; and the expansion of recreation (boating). The SPA ■ Protection status and Ramsar designations also include Markiezaat (030). National High International High 1,700 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Markiezaatsmeer- Zuid, 1,700 ha). 160 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Markiezaatsmeer-Zuid II, 160 ha). 107 ha of IBA covered by Nature Zoommeer B1i, B3, C2, C3, C6 029 Reserve (Molenplaat, 107 ha). 1,300 ha of IBA covered by Nature Admin region Noord-Brabant, Zeeland Reserve (Markiezaat, 1,300 ha). 1,840 ha of IBA covered by Special Coordinates 51°30’N 4°12’E Protection Area (Oosterschelde, 38,000 ha). 1,840 ha of IBA covered Altitude (-10)–(-1) m Area 930 ha by Ramsar Site (Oosterschelde en Markiezaat, 38,000 ha).

■ Site description ■ Conservation issues A stagnant freshwater lake to the west and east of the Schelde–Rhine Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), river connection (shipping lane), which developed after the building Infrastructure (C) of the Oesterdam at the eastern end of the Oosterschelde (028) in 1986. In the south-east the site is adjacent to Lake Markiezaat (030). This The main problems are nutrient pollution and waste-water discharge. site, together with sites 028 and 030, formed part of a single, larger The Ramsar and SPA designations also include the Oosterschelde (028). site (former site NL050) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Habitats Wetland (82%; standing fresh water), Artificial landscape (18%; highly Lake Veersemeer A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 031 improved reseeded grassland) Admin region Zeeland Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (70%), Hunting (20%), Nature Coordinates 51°32’N 3°44’E conservation/research (24%), Tourism/recreation (80%), Urban/industrial/transport (20%), Altitude (-23)–(-2) m Area 3,010 ha Water management (100%) ■ Site description ■ Birds A 20-km long brackish lake (formerly part of the Oosterschelde estuary, closed off in 1961) with sandbanks and small islands, and Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria surrounded by wet meadows, improved grassland, arable land and Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1990 708 708 A B1i, C3 some forestry plantations. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 262 262 A B1i, B3, C2 Larus melanocephalus B 1991 6 6 A C6 Habitats Wetland (74%; standing brackish and salt water), Artificial landscape (26%; Mediterranean Gull highly improved reseeded grassland; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture (8%), Fisheries/aquaculture (74%), Hunting (10%), Nature The site is a roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas, but conservation/research (13%), Tourism/recreation (84%), Water management (100%) no counts are available.

■ Protection status ■ Birds National Partial International None An important roost for tens of thousands of geese Anser (although 218 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Zoommeer-Eendracht, there are few counts), and for thousands of waders from Oosterschelde 218 ha). (028) at high water.

484 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 2,400 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Verdronken Land Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 173 173 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 van Saeftinge I, 2,400 ha). 1,100 ha of IBA covered by Natural Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1990 2,175 2,175 A B1i, B2, C2 Monument (Verdronken Land van Saeftinge II, 1,100 ha). 28 ha of Mergus serrator W 1991 1,383 1,383 A B1i, C3 IBA covered by Natural Monument (Zwarte Polder, 28 ha). 92 ha of Red-breasted Merganser IBA covered by Natural Monument (Zwarte Polder II, 92 ha). 99 ha Fulica atra Coot N 1991 22,783 22,783 A B1i, C3 of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Schor van Waarde, 99 ha). Larus melanocephalus B 1991 2 2 A C6 1 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Schor van Waarde, 1 ha). Mediterranean Gull 189 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Braakman, 189 ha). 18 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Inlaag 1887, 18 ha). 14 ha of IBA ■ Protection status covered by Nature Reserve (Kapelle Bank, 14 ha). 69 ha of IBA National Partial International None covered by Nature Reserve (Rammekens, 69 ha). 544 ha of IBA 108 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Goudplaat, 108 ha). 286 ha covered by Nature Reserve (Saeftinghe, 544 ha). 248 ha of IBA covered of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Middelplaten, 286 ha). by Nature Reserve (Schor bij Bath, 248 ha). 34 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Schor bij Ossendrecht, 53 ha). 163 ha of IBA covered ■ Conservation issues by Nature Reserve (Zuidgors, 163 ha). 76 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Schor van Waarde, 76 ha). 3,500 ha of IBA covered by Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B) Special Protection Area (Verdronken Land van Saeftinge, 3,500 ha). The main problems are nutrient pollution (‘Other’ threat, above), 3,500 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Verdronken Land van insufficient exchange with Oosterschelde water, and recreational Saeftinge, 3,500 ha). pressure. ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Disturbance Westerschelde A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 032 to birds (C), Dredging/canalization (B), Extraction industry (C), Industrialization/ and Saeftinghe C2, C3, C4, C6 urbanization (A), Infrastructure (C), Recreation/tourism (B) Admin region Zeeland The main problems are the further deepening of the shipping lane Coordinates 51°23’N 3°50’E (erosion causes loss of mudflats and saltmarsh), nutrient pollution Altitude (-30)–3 m Area 50,800 ha through discharge of polder water, and industrial discharges. The SPA and Ramsar designations concern the saltmarsh area. ■ Site description A tidal estuary of the River Schelde with mudflats, sandbanks and raised saltmarsh (Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe, 3,500 ha), and Zwin (Dutch part) C7 033 the only estuary in south-west Netherlands which will be allowed to Admin region Zeeland remain open to the sea. The estuary is 60 km long from the Belgian Coordinates 51°23’N 3°25’E border up to the North Sea, and is adjacent to the Voordelta (020) in Altitude 2–17 m Area 128 ha the west.

Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh) ■ Site description Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Hunting (25%), Nature A small coastal wetland, consisting of a former estuary, which lies conservation/research (11%), Tourism/recreation (80%), Urban/industrial/transport (50%) adjacent to a Belgian IBA of the same name (Het Zwin) and also to Westerschelde (site 032). ■ Birds Habitats Wetland (38%; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach), Marine areas (40%; open Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria sea), Artificial landscape (22%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 57 57 A B1i, C2 Land-use Agriculture (15%), Hunting (100%), Nature conservation/research (39%), Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1991 7,782 7,782 A B1i, C3 Tourism/recreation (10%) Anser anser Greylag Goose N 1991 14,921 14,921 A A4i, B1i, C3 1 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck N 1991 4,728 4,728 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1990 23,385 23,385 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Protection status Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 3,343 3,343 A B1i, C3 National None International High Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher N 1991 14,427 14,427 A A4i, B1i, C3 128 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Nederlandse Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1991 180 180 A B3 Zwingebied, 128 ha). Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1992 1,207 1,207 A A4i, B1i, C2 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover N 1990 4,153 4,153 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover B 1991 70 70 A B2 Conservation issues Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover N 1990 752 752 A B1i, C3 Threats Recreation/tourism (B) Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover N 1991 3,542 3,542 A A4i, B1i, C3 Calidris canutus Knot W 1991 1,083 1,083 A B2 2 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1991 21,960 21,960 A B1i, B2, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin N 1990 28,236 28,236 A A4i, B1i, C3 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 1,078 1,078 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 Lake IJsselmeer A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 034 2 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1991 3,185 3,185 A B2 Admin region Friesland, Flevoland, Noord-Holland Numenius arquata Curlew N 1991 6,122 6,122 A A4i, B1i, C3 Coordinates 52°45’N 5°27’E Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N 1990 906 906 A A4i, B1i, C3 Altitude (-6)–(-2) m Area 109,000 ha Tringa totanus Redshank N 1991 2,029 2,029 A B1i, C3 Larus melanocephalus B 1991 3 3 A C6 Mediterranean Gull ■ Site description Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1991 537 537 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 Previously the Zuiderzee, this area is now a vast shallow freshwater Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1991 1,580 1,580 A C2, C6 lake, having been cut off from the Wadden Sea (001) by the Afsluitdijk Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 136 136 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 (in 1932) and with 45% of its extent having been reclaimed. The original 1. Moulting. IJsselmeer was then bisected by a dyke in 1975, which separated it 2. January mean. from the southern part now called Markermeer (038). This site adjoins An important roost for tens of thousands of geese Anser from Zeeuws- three subsites 035, 036 and 037 (the figure for the area of this site Vlaanderen, but numbers of Anser albifrons in particular have been excludes these subsites) which are located along the Frisian coast. The poorly covered by counts. lake receives Rhine water through the IJssel river (046 and 047) via Lake Ketelmeer (039). The wetland habitat in the subsites is not ■ Protection status included in the percentage cover for this site (to avoid overlap). National Low International Low Extraction of sand and water occurs, and natural-gas extraction is

485 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands planned. Military training (artillery) occurs at Breezanddijk ■ Birds (Afsluitdijk). The lake has been locally deepened to over 25 m by sand Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria extraction. This site, together with site 038, formed part of a single, Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P 1992 37 37 A B1i, C2 larger site (former site NL030) in the previous pan-European IBA 1 Aythya marila Scaup W 1990 30,640 30,640 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). 1. Number also included in figure for site 034. Habitats Wetland (95%; standing fresh water) Non-breeding numbers are based on aerial counts, which tend to Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Military (12%), Tourism/recreation (100%), underestimate species with a scattered occurrence. The site is an Urban/industrial/transport (15%), Water management (100%) important roost for geese Anser, but actual roosting numbers are poorly reflected by counts. ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Protection status National High International High Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe N 1990 8,669 8,669 A B1i, C3 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1990 10,438 10,438 A A4i, B1i, C3 1,582 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Friese IJsselmeerkust Anas penelope Wigeon W 1991 14,040 14,040 A B1i, C3 I, 4,800 ha). 62 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Friese Anas strepera Gadwall N 1991 480 480 A B1i, C3 IJsselmeerkust II, 120 ha). 48 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve Aythya ferina Pochard N 1991 6,038 6,038 A B1i, C3 (Makkumer- en Kooiwaard, 51 ha). About 1,600 ha of IBA covered Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck N 1990 28,842 28,842 A A4i, B1i, C3 by Special Protection Area (Friese IJsselmeerkust, 5,130 ha). Aythya marila Scaup W 1991 134,121 134,121 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Mergus albellus Smew W 1990 361 361 A B1i, C2, C6 ■ Conservation issues Mergus merganser Goosander W 1991 5,524 5,524 A A4i, B1i, C3 Fulica atra Coot N 1991 15,378 15,378 A B1i, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Chlidonias niger Black Tern P 1991 90,367 90,367 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Recreation/tourism (B), Other (B) Numbers are based on aerial counts, which tend to underestimate those The main problems are water management (the water-level is species with a scattered occurrence. This is the main moulting area deliberately kept high during summer), the building of a new harbour, for subadult Cygnus olor in the Netherlands, and the main feeding commercial reed-harvesting (‘Other’ threat, above), and recreation area for Phalacrocorax carbo from Oostvaardersplassen (066), (leisure boating). although the actual numbers are poorly represented by the aerial counts. The number of Chlidonias niger is based on numbers flying to roost at Balgzand (013). Other species which do not fulfil IBA criteria A4i, A4iii, B1i, C2, C3, C4, C6 include non-breeding Larus minutus (5,100 in January 1983). Workumerwaard 036 Admin region Friesland Coordinates 52°59’N 5°25’E ■ Protection status Altitude (-2)–0 m Area 1,320 ha National Low International Low 88 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Friese IJsselmeerkust I, 4,800 ha). 12 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Friese ■ Site description IJsselmeerkust II, 120 ha). 45 ha of IBA covered by Natural An area of shallow waters, wet meadows and (landward of the dyke) Monument (De Ven, 45 ha). 40 ha of IBA covered by Natural improved grassland along the Frisian west coast. It is a subsite of Monument (Stoenckherne, 40 ha). 100 ha of IBA covered by Natural Lake IJsselmeer (034), and lies adjacent to the Makkumer- and Monument (Stoenckherne II, 100 ha). 17 ha of IBA covered by Nature Kooiwaard (035) in the north. This site, together with site 035, formed Reserve (De Ven, 17 ha). 100 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve part of a single, larger site (former site NL016) in the previous pan- (Onderdijken, 100 ha). 240 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Area (Friese IJsselmeerkust, 5,130 ha). Habitats Wetland (39%; standing fresh water), Artificial landscape (61%; highly improved reseeded grassland) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture (35%), Fisheries/aquaculture (39%), Nature conservation/ Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (A), research (36%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (54%), Water management (100%) Industrialization/urbanization (C), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) The main problems are over-fishing, water management (level ■ Birds deliberately kept high during summer to supply water for farming), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria pollution by nutrients from the River Rhine/IJssel and by trace 1 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1988 1,500 1,500 C A4i, B1i, C2 pollutants such as cadmium, mercury and DDT (‘Other’ threat, above), Philomachus pugnax Ruff B 1991 13 13 A C6 entanglement in fishing nets (involving thousands of birds), and 1 Philomachus pugnax Ruff N 1986 7,000 7,000 C C6 recreation (leisure boating). Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 1986 9,000 9,000 B A4i, B1i, C3 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1991 1,680 1,680 A C2, C6 1. Only one recent count available. A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 Makkumer- 035 Non-breeding numbers are based on aerial counts which tend to and Kooiwaard underestimate species with a scattered occurrence. The site is an Admin region Friesland important roost for geese and waders, but actual roosting numbers Coordinates 53°03’N 5°23’E are poorly reflected by counts. The average seasonal peak number of Altitude (-3)–1 m Area 1,740 ha waterbirds during 1992–1996 exceeded 20,000.

■ Site description ■ Protection status A foreshore area of sandbanks, reedbeds and shallow waters along National Partial International Partial the Frisian west coast. It is a subsite of Lake IJsselmeer (034), and lies 550 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Friese IJsselmeerkust I, adjacent to the Workumerwaard (036) in the south. The northern 4,800 ha). 2 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Friese border is formed by the Afsluitdijk which separates the IJsselmeer IJsselmeerkust II, 120 ha). 550 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection from the Wadden Sea (001). This site, together with site 036, formed Area (Friese IJsselmeerkust, 5,130 ha). part of a single, larger site (former site NL016) in the previous pan- European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Conservation issues Habitats Wetland (94%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (77%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/research (70%), The main problems are water management (the water-level is Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (78%), Water management (100%) deliberately kept high during summer), agricultural intensification,

486 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

and commercial reed-harvesting (‘Other’ threat, above). The foreshore Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria is legally protected under the Nature Conservation Act. Anas penelope Wigeon W 1991 29,500 29,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 Aythya ferina Pochard N 1990 26,192 26,192 A A4i, B1i, C3 Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck N 1991 64,390 64,390 A A4i, B1i, C3 Aythya marila Scaup W 1991 15,226 15,226 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Steile Bank A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 037 Mergus albellus Smew W 1991 625 625 A B1i, C2, C6 and Mokkebank Chlidonias niger Black Tern P 1990 871 871 A C6 Admin region Friesland main feeding area of the Phalacrocorax carbo that breed at Coordinates 52°50’N 5°30’E Lepelaarsplassen (067) and Naardermeer (074), and is an important Altitude (-4)–(-1) m Area 4,270 ha moulting area for (subadult) Cygnus olor, Aythya fuligula and Aythya ferina. ■ Site description An area of sandbanks and shallow waters, with a small reedbed and ■ Protection status an embanked grassland polder, along the Frisian south coast. It is a National Low International Low subsite of Lake IJsselmeer (034). 110 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Kustzone Muiden, 110 ha). 15 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Drost, Hooft, Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water) Warenar, 15 ha). 67 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (IJdoorn, Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Nature conservation/research (60%), Tourism/ 67 ha). 110 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kogen, 110 ha). recreation (100%), Water management (100%) 19 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Uiterdijken, 19 ha). 110 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Eemmeer, Gooimeer en ■ Birds IJmeer, 1,800 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ 1 Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe N 1990 7,896 7,896 A B1i, C3 Conservation issues 1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1990 6,916 6,916 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Disturbance 1 Aythya marila Scaup W 1991 9,549 9,549 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 to birds (B), Extraction industry (C), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Recreation/ 1 Mergus merganser Goosander W 1990 2,576 2,576 A A4i, B1i, C3 tourism (B), Other (B) 1. Number also included in figure for site 034. The main problems are over-fishing, water management (the water- The site is an important roost for geese Anser (from Noordoostpolder) level is deliberately kept high during summer), land reclamation for and waders, but no recent counts are available. Non-breeding numbers building IJburg (660 ha will be reclaimed near Amsterdam), pollution are based on aerial counts which tend to underestimate species with a by nutrients and by trace pollutants such as cadmium, mercury and scattered occurrence. This is the main moulting area for Podiceps DDT (‘Other’ threat, above), entanglement in fishing nets, and cristatus in the Netherlands (up to 20,000). The mean total number of disturbance caused by wildfowl hunting and recreation (leisure wintering waterbirds exceeds 20,000. navigation). A small part of the area lies in the ‘Eemmeer, Gooimeer en IJmeer’ SPA (as part of the IJmeer). ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial 2,580 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Friese Lake Ketelmeer A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 039 IJsselmeerkust I, 4,800 ha). 44 ha of IBA covered by Natural Admin region Overijssel, Flevoland Monument (Friese IJsselmeerkust II, 120 ha). 41 ha of IBA covered Coordinates 52°36’N 5°45’E by Nature Reserve (Huitebuersterbutenpolder, 41 ha). 2,624 ha of IBA Altitude (-5)–(-1) m Area 3,750 ha covered by Special Protection Area (Friese IJsselmeerkust, 5,130 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Site description A freshwater lake, bounded in the north by the dyke of Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Recreation/tourism (B), Other (C) Noordoostpolder (reclaimed in 1942), in the south by the dyke of The main problems are water management (the water-level is Oostelijk Flevoland (1957), in the east by the delta of the IJssel river deliberately kept high during summer), disturbance by boating, and (047), and in the west by Lake IJsselmeer (034). Only the IJssel delta excessive reed-harvesting (‘Other’ threat, above). has some reedbeds along the foreshore. Sand extraction occurs, as well as extensive dredging to clean heavily polluted sediments.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water) Lake Markermeer A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 038 Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (90%), Hunting (50%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Urban/ Admin region Flevoland, Noord-Holland industrial/transport (20%), Water management (100%) Coordinates 52°32’N 5°15’E Altitude (-8)–(-1) m Area 69,700 ha ■ Birds

■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria A stagnant freshwater lake, separated from Lake IJsselmeer (034) by Aythya ferina Pochard N 1992 5,507 5,507 A B1i, C3 Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck N 1991 15,599 15,599 A B1i, C3 the closing of the Houtribdijk in 1975, and bordered to the east by the polders Oostelijk and Zuidelijk Flevoland (reclaimed in 1957 and 1968). The mean total number of wintering waterbirds in January exceeds The lake is connected to Lake Gooimeer (044) in the south-east, and is 20,000. also adjacent to Oostvaardersplassen (066) and Lepelaarsplassen (067) in the east, via the Zuidelijk Flevoland polder. The lake has been locally ■ Protection status deepened to more than 30 m by sand extraction. This site, together with National None International None site 034, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL030) in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Conservation issues Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water) Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (90%), Hunting (5%), Tourism/recreation (100%), Urban/ to birds (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Recreation/tourism (B), Other (B) industrial/transport (40%), Water management (100%) The main problems are water management (the water-level of the IJsselmeer is deliberately kept high during summer), nutrient pollution ■ Birds (from the River Rhine/IJssel and by trace pollutants such as cadmium, Numbers are based on aerial counts which tend to underestimate mercury and DDT), over-fishing, wildfowl hunting (mainly on the species with a scattered occurrence (e.g. Chlidonias niger). This is the east side), recreation (leisure boating), and reed-harvesting along the

487 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands eastern foreshore (‘Other’ threat, above). An island is under ■ Protection status construction (as of 1998) for the storage of polluted sediments, but National None International None this will be beneficial to birds in the long-term. ■ Conservation issues Threats Recreation/tourism (C) A4iii, B1i, C2, C4, C6 Lake Zwartemeer 040 The main problems are disturbance by recreation and nutrient Admin region Overijssel, Flevoland pollution (but water quality is improving). Coordinates 52°38’N 5°58’E Altitude (-3)–(-1) m Area 2,180 ha

Lake Veluwemeer A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 042 ■ Site description Admin region Gelderland, Flevoland A freshwater lake with extensive reedbeds, bounded in the north by Coordinates 52°23’N 5°40’E the dyke of Noordoostpolder (reclaimed in 1942) and in the south by Altitude (-4)–(-1) m Area 3,390 ha the mainland (province of Overijssel). The Zwarte Water river (090) flows into the lake in the north-east corner, and the site is adjacent to Lake Ketelmeer (039) in the west (Ramspol). The north-eastern border ■ Site description is close to De Wieden (065). There is a shipping lane (dredged). This A freshwater lake, bounded in the north-west by the dyke of site, together with site 047, formed part of a single, larger site (former Oostelijk Flevoland polder (reclaimed in 1957) and in the south-east site NL028) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett by the mainland. There are extensive though narrow reedbeds and Jones 1989). along the mainland coast. The site lies adjacent to Lake Drontermeer (041) in the north and to Lake Wolderwijd (043) in the south-east Habitats Wetland (96%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) (with sluices at both sides). Sand extraction occurs. This site, Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (86%), Nature conservation/research (81%), Tourism/ together with site 043, formed part of a single, larger site (former recreation (86%), Urban/industrial/transport (30%), Water management (100%) site NL032) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Birds Habitats Wetland (97%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Hunting (20%), Tourism/recreation (85%), Urban/ Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1991 24 24 A C6 industrial/transport (30%), Water management (100%) Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P 1991 44 44 A B1i, C2 This is an important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding ■ Birds areas, but counts underestimate numbers. The average seasonal peak Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria number of waterbirds during 1992–1996 exceeded 20,000. Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1992 1,220 1,220 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 ■ Protection status The site is a roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas, but National Partial International High numbers are poorly covered by counts. The average seasonal peak 1,650 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Zwarte Meer, number of waterbirds during 1992–1996 was more than 20,000. 1,650 ha). 206 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Zwarte Meer II, 206 ha). 2,050 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area ■ Protection status (Zwarte Meer, 2,050 ha). 2,050 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site National Low International None (Zwarte Meer, 2,050 ha). 26 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Veluwerandmeren, 26 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/ Threats Recreation/tourism (B) barrage (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Other (B) The main problems are disturbance by recreation and nutrient The main threats are nutrient pollution (as at site 039, but pollution (but water quality is improving). problems are greater here as the lake is shallower), commercial reed- harvesting (‘Other’ threat, above), disturbance caused by wildfowl hunting, and the construction of a storm-surge barrier on the west A4i, B1i, B2, C2 side at Ramspol. Lake Wolderwijd 043 Admin region Gelderland, Flevoland Coordinates 52°21’N 5°35’E Altitude (-8)–(-1) m Area 2,750 ha Lake Drontermeer A4i, B1i, B2, C2 041 Admin region Overijssel, Gelderland, Flevoland ■ Site description Coordinates 52°30’N 5°51’E A freshwater lake, bounded on the northern and western sides by the Altitude (-3)–(-1) m Area 640 ha dykes of the polders Oostelijk and Zuidelijk Flevoland (reclaimed in 1957 and 1968), and in the south-east by the mainland. The site lies ■ Site description adjacent to Lake Veluwemeer (042) in the north-east, and to Lake A freshwater lake, bounded in the west by the dyke of the Oostelijk Nijkerkernauw (connected to Eemmeer, 045) in the south (with sluices Flevoland polder (reclaimed in 1957) and in the east by the mainland. at both sides), and is also adjacent to Polder Arkemheen (075) in the It is connected to Lake Ketelmeer (039) via Lake Vossemeer in the south. Sand extraction occurs. This site, together with site 042, formed north, and lies adjacent to Lake Veluwemeer (042) in the south part of a single, larger site (former site NL032) in the previous pan- (separated by sluices). Sand extraction occurs. European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989).

Habitats Wetland (96%; standing fresh water) Habitats Wetland (97%; standing fresh water) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (93%), Tourism/recreation (98%), Urban/industrial/ Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (90%), Tourism/recreation (28%), Urban/industrial/ transport (50%), Water management (100%) transport (20%), Water management (100%)

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1992 253 253 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1992 205 205 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2

488 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Protection status Land-use Agriculture (20%), Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Hunting (10%), Nature National None International None conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Urban/industrial/transport (30%), Water management (100%) ■ Conservation issues Threats Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Birds The main problems are disturbance (by recreation) and nutrient Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria pollution (but water quality is improving). Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1990 1,197 1,197 B A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1992 13,878 13,878 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1992 440 440 A B1i, C3 Lake Gooimeer A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 044 This is a roost for large numbers of Cygnus columbianus which come Admin region Flevoland, Noord-Holland from feeding areas in nearby grassland polders (e.g. Arkemheen), but Coordinates 52°19’N 5°12’E count data are not available. Altitude (-28)–(-1) m Area 2,670 ha ■ Protection status ■ Site description National High International Partial A freshwater lake, bounded in the north by the dyke of Zuidelijk 1,200 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Eemmeer, 1,200 ha). Flevoland polder (reclaimed in 1968) and in the south by the mainland. 146 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eemland, 177 ha). 137 ha The site is connected to Lake Markermeer (038) in the west and to of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eemmeer, 137 ha). 1,200 ha of Lake Eemmeer (045) in the east. There are extensive though narrow IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Eemmeer, Gooimeer en reedbeds along the mainland coast. The site includes a grassland polder IJmeer, 1,800 ha). east of the city of Naarden. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Wetland (97%; standing fresh water) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Nature conservation/research (18%), Tourism/ Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Recreation/tourism (B) recreation (80%), Urban/industrial/transport (30%), Water management (100%) The main problems are nutrient pollution (but water quality is improving), over-fishing, and disturbance by recreation. A scheme to ■ Birds compensate for restrictions on agricultural practices applies to part of this site. The entire lake (but not the landward polder) has been Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria designated as an SPA; the designation also includes Gooimeer (044) Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 193 193 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 and a small part of Markermeer (038). Anas strepera Gadwall N 1992 419 419 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1992 697 697 A B1i, C3 Chlidonias niger Black Tern P 1992 334 334 A C6 IJssel: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C4, C6 046 The average seasonal peak number of waterbirds during 1992–1996 was more than 20,000. Deventer–Zwolle Admin region Overijssel Coordinates 52°24’N 6°08’E ■ Protection status Altitude 1–0 m Area 3,000 ha National Partial International Partial 15 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Gooikust bij Naarden, 15 ha). 65 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Gooikust bij ■ Site description Naarden II, 65 ha). 400 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument A 30-km long section of the IJssel river between the cities of Deventer (Gooimeer, 400 ha). 178 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve and Zwolle, which lies adjacent to site 047. The site includes the (Gooimeer, 178 ha). 490 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area riverbed and the flood-plain (mainly used for dairy farming), and is (Eemmeer, Gooimeer en IJmeer, 1,800 ha). bounded by the winter dykes. Economic activities include sand and clay extraction. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Wetland (27%; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Industrialization/urbanization (C), Recreation/tourism (B) (69%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (65%), Fisheries/aquaculture (17%), Hunting (70%), Nature The main problems are over-fishing and entanglement in fishing nets, conservation/research (20%), Tourism/recreation (17%), Urban/industrial/transport (11%), disturbance (by recreation), and nutrient pollution (but water quality Water management (70%) is improving). The SPA also includes Eemmeer (045) and a minor part of Markermeer (038). ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Lake Eemmeer A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 045 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 713 713 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Admin region Flevoland, Utrecht, Noord-Holland Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1991 418 418 A B1i, B3, C2, C6 Coordinates 52°17’N 5°19’E Mergus albellus Smew W 1991 110 110 A C6 Crex crex Corncrake B 1991 5 5 A C6 Altitude (-5)–(-1) m Area 1,340 ha Alcedo atthis Kingfisher R 1991 2 2 A C6

■ Site description An important roost for geese Anser, but numbers are poorly covered A freshwater lake, bounded in the north by the dyke of Zuidelijk by counts. The mean count of waterbirds in January exceeds 20,000 Flevoland polder (reclaimed in 1968) and in the south by the mainland. in total. The site is connected to Lake Gooimeer (044) in the north-west and to Lake Nijkerkernauw (adjacent to Lake Wolderwijd, 043) in the south- ■ Protection status east. There is an extensive reedbed along the mainland in the western National Partial International None corner. The site includes part of a grassland polder on the southern 495 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (IJsseluiterwaarden, side. There is a shipping lane (dredged). This site, together with site 075, 615 ha). 15 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Dorperwaarden, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL033) in the previous 15 ha). 303 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Fortmond: pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Duursche Waarden, Buitenwaarden, 303 ha). 102 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Hengforder Waarden, 102 ha). 18 ha of IBA Habitats Wetland (75%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial covered by Nature Reserve (Oldeneel, 18 ha). 41 ha of IBA covered landscape (24%; highly improved reseeded grassland) by Nature Reserve (Veeserwaarden, 41 ha). 38 ha of IBA covered by

489 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Nature Reserve (Vorchterwaarden, 38 ha). 45 ha of IBA covered by Nijmegen (close to site 050). The site includes the riverbed, flood-plain, Nature Reserve (Welsumer Waarden, 45 ha). 121 ha of IBA covered clay pits, and the inland subsites Oude Rijnstrangen (1,090 ha) and by Nature Reserve (Windesheim, 121 ha). Ooijpolder (1,575 ha). Elsewhere the site is bounded by the winter dykes. Clay extraction occurs. ■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1992 24 24 B B2, C2, C6 The main problems are agricultural intensification (on the river Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1991 2 2 A C6 forelands), and pollution by nutrients and other chemicals discharged Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 143 143 A B2 by industry and agriculture. A scheme to compensate for restrictions Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1991 110 110 A B3, C6 on agricultural practices applies to part of this site. Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 1991 6,482 6,482 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1991 35,933 35,933 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1991 803 803 A B1i, C3 Mergus albellus Smew W 1991 194 194 A C6 IJssel: Zwolle–Ketelmeer A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C6 047 Crex crex Corncrake B 1992 6 6 A C6 Admin region Overijssel Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1993 136 136 A B2, C2, C6 Coordinates 52°32’N 5°57’E There are large roosts of Anser albifrons, the birds arriving from Altitude 0–3 m Area 1,350 ha German and Dutch feeding areas (max. 100,000), but available counts underestimate the actual numbers. ■ Site description A 20-km long section of the River IJssel between the city of Zwolle ■ Protection status and Lake Ketelmeer (039), which lies adjacent to site 046. The site National Partial International None includes the riverbed and the flood-plain (used for dairy farming), 82 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Oude Waal, 82 ha). and is bounded by the winter dykes. Economic activities include sand 2 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Weide Oude and clay extraction. This site, together with site 040, formed part of a Rijnstrangen, 2 ha). 108 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve single, larger site (former site NL028) in the previous pan-European (Bemmelse, Gendtse en Klompenwaard, 108 ha). 17 ha of IBA covered IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). by Nature Reserve (Oooijpolder, 17 ha). 410 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Ooijpolder en Millingerwaard, 485 ha). 348 ha of IBA Habitats Wetland (30%; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape covered by Nature Reserve (Oude Rijnstrangen, 348 ha). (70%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (65%), Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Hunting (5%), Nature ■ Conservation issues conservation/research (13%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%), Water management (100%) Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (C) ■ Birds The main problems are agricultural intensification (on the river Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria forelands), disturbance (wildfowl hunting), the extension of the Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 210 210 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 A15 motorway, and pollution by agricultural and industrial Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1991 52 52 A B3, C6 discharges. A scheme to compensate for restrictions on agricultural practices applies to part of the site.

■ Protection status National Partial International None Rijn: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 049 120 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (IJsseluiterwaarden, Heteren–Amerongen 615 ha). 30 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Engelse Werk, Admin region Gelderland, Utrecht 30 ha). 41 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Vreugderijkerwaard, Coordinates 51°57’N 5°40’E 41 ha). 137 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Zalk-Wilsum, Altitude 8–10 m Area 2,480 ha 137 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Site description A 22-km long stretch of the River Rhine (Rijn), close to Gelderse Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Poort (048), between the villages of Heteren and Amerongen (industry Industrialization/urbanization (B) plants excluded). The site includes the river channel and surrounding The main problems are agricultural intensification (on the river flood-plain, the latter being mainly used for dairy farming, and is forelands), and pollution by nutrients and chemicals discharged by bounded by the winter dykes. industry and agriculture. A scheme to compensate for restrictions on Habitats Wetland (26%; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape agricultural practices applies to part of the site. (72%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (65%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (25%), Nature conservation/research (18%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Urban/industrial/transport (20%), Gelderse Poort A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 048 Water management (100%) Admin region Gelderland C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 51°53’N 6°02’E ■ Birds Altitude 10–13 m Area 6,460 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1988 320 320 B A4i, B1i, B2, C2 ■ Site description Crex crex Corncrake B 1991 3 3 A C6 Habitats Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), The average seasonal peak number of waterbirds during 1992–1996 Artificial landscape (80%; highly improved reseeded grassland) was more than 20,000. Land-use Agriculture (60%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (80%), Nature conservation/research (15%), Tourism/recreation (30%), Urban/industrial/transport (5%), ■ Protection status Water management (100%) National Partial International None A 20-km long section of the River Rhine between Tolkamer (near the 120 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Amerongse Bovenpolder, German border) and Arnhem (close to site 049) and a 12-km section 120 ha). 110 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Blauwe Kamer, of the River Waal between the branch of the Rhine and the city of 110 ha). 39 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Plassewaard, 39 ha).

490 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

214 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Wageningse Uiterwaarden, site is adjacent to Hollands Diep (025) in the west; it does not include 214 ha). three drinking-water reservoirs within its boundary. Human activities include reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land-use, below). ■ Conservation issues Habitats Forest and woodland (16%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (45%; standing Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (C), fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (39%; highly Industrialization/urbanization (B) improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (30%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Hunting (50%), Nature The main threats are agricultural intensification (on the river forelands) conservation/research (49%), Other, Tourism/recreation (35%), Urban/industrial/ and pollution by agricultural and industrial discharges. transport (16%), Water management (6%)

■ Birds Waal: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 050 Ewijk–Waardenburg Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region Gelderland Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P 1990 60 60 A B1i, C2 Coordinates 51°54’N 5°32’E Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1992 290 290 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1992 7,878 7,878 A B1i, C3 Altitude 3–10 m Area 5,940 ha Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1992 2,179 2,179 A B1i, B2, C2 Anas strepera Gadwall N 1992 607 607 A B1i, C3 ■ Site description Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier B 1993 55 55 B C6 A 39-km long stretch of the River Waal, close to Gelderse Poort (048), Crex crex Corncrake B 1991 5 5 A C6 between the villages of Ewijk and Waardenburg. The site comprises Alcedo atthis Kingfisher R 1991 2 2 A C6 Luscinia svecica Bluethroat B 1992 1,783 1,783 B C6 the river channel, surrounding flood-plain (used mainly for dairy farming) and clay pits, and is bounded by winter dykes. An important roost for geese Anser which come from surrounding feeding areas, but counts underestimate actual numbers. The mean Habitats Wetland (28%; river/stream), Artificial landscape (72%; highly improved total number of waterbirds in January exceeds 20,000. reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (45%), Fisheries/aquaculture (15%), Hunting (5%), Nature ■ Protection status conservation/research (11%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Urban/industrial/transport (11%), National High International High Water management (100%) 2,691 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Brabantse Biesbosch, 2,691 ha). 806 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Dordtse ■ Birds Biesbosch, 806 ha). 797 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sliedrechtse Biesbosch, 797 ha). 7,100 ha of IBA covered by National Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Park (De Biesbosch, 7,100 ha). 8,850 ha of IBA covered by Special Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 378 378 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Protection Area (De Biesbosch, 8,850 ha). 1,700 ha of IBA covered Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1991 15,029 15,029 A A4i, B1i, C3 by Ramsar Site (De Biesbosch Zuidwaard, 1,700 ha). Aythya ferina Pochard N 1991 4,540 4,540 A B1i, C3 Crex crex Corncrake B 1991 5 5 A C6 ■ Conservation issues There are two roosts of geese Anser, which come from surrounding Threats Industrialization/urbanization (B), Recreation/tourism (B) feeding areas, but counts underestimate actual numbers. The mean total number of waterbirds in January exceeds 20,000. The main threats are the pollution of bottom sediments by industrial chemicals, and recreation. Clay extraction will result in marsh ■ Protection status restoration in the north of the area. National Partial International Partial 48 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Kil van Hurwenen, 48 ha). 97 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Afferdense en Deestse A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 Waard, 97 ha). 43 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bandijk Lake Leekstermeer 052 Admin region Groningen, Drenthe Winssen, 43 ha). 146 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve Coordinates 53°11’N 6°26’E (Hurwenensche Uiterwaarden, 146 ha). 220 ha of IBA covered by Altitude (-3)–(-1) m Area 850 ha Nature Reserve (Neerijnen, 293 ha). 65 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sint Andries, 65 ha). 45 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Waarden bij Heeselt, 45 ha). 9 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve ■ Site description (Waarden bij Wamel, 9 ha). 1,005 ha of IBA covered by Special A freshwater lake located south-west of the city of Groningen, Protection Area (Kil van Hurwenen e.o, 1,005 ha). surrounded by reedbeds, peat-bogs and pastures.

Habitats Wetland (31%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial ■ Conservation issues landscape (65%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/ Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (26%), Nature conservation/research (97%), Tourism/ barrage (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (C) recreation (31%), Water management (100%) The SPA designation covers some river forelands in the western part of the site. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected ■ Birds by restrictions on agricultural practices. Clay extraction is combined Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria with restoration of river forelands. Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1990 20,415 20,415 A A4i, B1i, C3

■ Protection status Biesbosch A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 051 National High International None Admin region Noord-Brabant, Zuid-Holland 587 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leekstermeer (Dr), 587 ha). Coordinates 51°46’N 4°50’E 37 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leekstermeer (Gr), 37 ha). Altitude 0–3 m Area 9,050 ha 150 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leekstermeer GRL, 150 ha).

■ Site description ■ Conservation issues A former tidal estuary in the Rhine/Maas river system, sealed off from Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (C), Infrastructure (C) the sea in 1970 (see Haringvliet, 024) and no longer subject to marine influence. The site consists of a flood-plain, polders, marshland and The hunting of geese Anser during the winter, and recreational activities swamp-forest, and is intersected by many formerly tidal creeks. The during summer and autumn, disturb birds. A compensation scheme is

491 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural ■ Conservation issues practices. Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Recreation/tourism (B) A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices. Lake Zuidlaardermeer A4i, B1i, B2, C2 053 and Onnerpolder Admin region Groningen, Drenthe Coordinates 53°08’N 6°41’E Oude Venen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 055 Altitude 0–1 m Area 1,950 ha Admin region Friesland Coordinates 53°07’N 5°55’E Altitude (-1)–0 m Area 2,500 ha ■ Site description A freshwater lake located south-east of the city of Groningen, with reedbeds and an extensive area of wet pasture. Human activities include ■ Site description reed-harvesting. An area of lakes (resulting partly from peat-diggings), reedbeds, wet meadows and woodland, located south-east of the city of Leeuwarden. Habitats Wetland (34%; standing fresh water), Artificial landscape (66%; highly Human activities include reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land-use, below) and improved reseeded grassland) natural-gas extraction. This site, together with site 056, formed part Land-use Agriculture (50%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Hunting (25%), Nature of a single, larger site (former site NL023) in the previous pan- conservation/research (63%), Tourism/recreation (70%), Water management (100%) European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989).

Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (40%; standing ■ Birds fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (50%; highly improved Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria reseeded grassland) Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 282 282 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Land-use Agriculture (25%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (17%), Nature conservation/ research (63%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (45%), Water management (100%) Lake Zuidlaardermeer is used as a roost by swans Cygnus and geese Anser. ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National Partial International None Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 30,000 30,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 261 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Onnerpolder, 261 ha). 171 ha Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1989 10,000 10,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Zuidlaardermeer, 171 ha). 330 ha Anas penelope Wigeon W 1989 35,000 35,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Zuidlaardermeer II, 330 ha). Anas strepera Gadwall N 1989 500 500 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1989 1,500 1,500 A B1i, C3 ■ Conservation issues Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 8 8 A C6 Philomachus pugnax Ruff N 1989 25,000 25,000 A C6 Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Extraction industry (B), Other (B), Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 1989 10,000 10,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Recreation/tourism (C) This is an important roost for geese Anser and waders from Nutrient pollution of the lake is a problem (‘Other’ threat, above). A surrounding feeding areas. Waterbird numbers quoted are rough compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by estimates. restrictions on agricultural practices. ■ Protection status National Partial International High 95 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Tuskensleatten, 95 ha). Groote Wielen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 054 2,140 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Oude Venen, 2,140 ha). Admin region Friesland 2,500 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Oude Venen, Coordinates 53°13’N 5°52’E 2,500 ha). 2,500 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Oude Venen, Altitude 0–1 m Area 580 ha 2,500 ha).

■ Site description ■ Conservation issues A complex of freshwater lakes (resulting partly from peat diggings), Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B) reedbeds and wet meadows, located to the east of the city of Leeuwarden. Human activities include reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land- Nutrient pollution is a problem (‘Other’ threat, above). A use, below), and the site includes two duck decoys. compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices. Habitats Wetland (40%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (60%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (6%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (5%), Nature conservation/ research (85%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (50%), Water management (100%) De Deelen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 056 Admin region Friesland Coordinates 53°02’N 5°55’E ■ Birds Altitude (-1)–0 m Area 1,260 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 40,000 40,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1990 4,000 4,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Site description Anas penelope Wigeon W 1990 20,000 20,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 An area of former peat-workings comprising open water, reedbeds, Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1989 1,000 1,000 A B1i, C3 shrubs and wet meadows, located to the north of the city of Philomachus pugnax Ruff N 1989 4,000 4,000 A C6 Heerenveen. Human activities include reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land- use, below). This site, together with site 055, formed part of a single, An important roost for geese Anser which come from surrounding larger site (former site NL023) in the previous pan-European IBA feeding areas. inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989).

Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (90%; standing ■ Protection status fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) National Partial International None Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Hunting (20%), Nature conservation/ 462 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Ryptsjerkster- en research (92%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Water management (100%) Binnemiedepolder, 462 ha).

492 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1994 35,173 35,173 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 15,000 15,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1994 3,430 3,430 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1989 5,000 5,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1993 62 62 B B2, C2, C6 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1989 15,000 15,000 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1989 500 500 A B1i, C3 An important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas. This is an important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding ■ Protection status areas. Waterbird numbers quoted are rough estimates. National High International Partial 1,158 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Deelen, 1,158 ha). ■ Protection status 520 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (De Deelen, 520 ha). National Partial International None 520 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (De Deelen, 520 ha). 564 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sneekermeer, 564 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Drainage (B), Other (A) Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Recreation/tourism (B) Nutrient pollution of wetlands is a problem (‘Other’ threat, above).

Terkaplesterpoelen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 059 Van Oordt’s Mersken A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 057 and Akmarijp C2, C3, C4, C6 Admin region Friesland Admin region Friesland Coordinates 53°03’N 6°05’E Coordinates 53°02’N 5°48’E Altitude (-1)–0 m Area 670 ha Altitude (-2)–0 m Area 770 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description Flood-plain meadows of the River Koningsdiep, situated in the eastern A freshwater lake (former peat-workings) and extensive wet part of Friesland. meadows (Akmarijp) located to the east of the city of Sneek. The site is adjacent to Lake Sneekermeer and Goingarijp (058). This site, together Habitats Wetland (river/stream), Artificial landscape (96%; highly improved reseeded grassland) with site 058, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL022) in Land-use Agriculture (90%), Hunting (50%), Nature conservation/research (58%), the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Urban/industrial/transport (6%), Water management (100%) Habitats Wetland (39%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (61%; highly improved reseeded grassland) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (50%), Fisheries/aquaculture (29%), Hunting (50%), Nature Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria conservation/research (55%), Tourism/recreation (31%), Water management (100%) Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 30,000 30,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1989 1,500 1,500 A B2 ■ Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1989 400 400 A B1i, C3 Birds Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 1989 5,000 5,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 25,000 25,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 This is an important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1989 10,000 10,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 areas. Waterbird numbers quoted are rough estimates. This is an important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding ■ Protection status areas. Waterbird numbers quoted are rough estimates. National Partial International None 388 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Van Oordt’s Mersken, ■ Protection status 388 ha). National Partial International None 420 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Terkaplesterpuollen, 420 ha). ■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B) Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B) The hunting of geese disturbs birds. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices. Wildfowl hunting disturbs birds. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices.

Lake Sneekermeer A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3 058 and Goingarijp Lake Witte and A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 060 Admin region Friesland Zwarte Brekken Coordinates 53°01’N 5°46’E Admin region Friesland Altitude (-2)–(-1) m Area 1,670 ha Coordinates 53°00’N 5°41’E Altitude (-3)–(-1) m Area 460 ha ■ Site description A complex of freshwater lakes (former peat-workings), wet meadows ■ Site description and marshland, located east of the city of Sneek. The site is adjacent to A freshwater lake (former peat-workings) surrounded by marshland Terkaplesterpoelen and Akmarijp (059), and belongs to the same water- and wet meadows that partly flood in winter, and located to the south management unit as Lake Witte and Zwarte Brekken (060). This site, of the city of Sneek. The site belongs to the same water management together with site 059, formed part of a larger site (former site NL022) unit as Lake Sneekermeer (058). Human activities include reed- in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). harvesting (‘Other’ land-use, below).

Habitats Wetland (70%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial Habitats Wetland (45%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (30%; highly improved reseeded grassland) landscape (55%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (30%), Fisheries/aquaculture (65%), Hunting (5%), Nature Land-use Agriculture (25%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/ conservation/research (34%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Water management (100%) research (57%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (35%), Water management (100%)

493 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Birds Sneek, and close to Lake Oudegaasterbrekken (061). This site, together with site 061, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL017) in Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Anser brachyrhynchus W 1989 10,000 10,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pink-footed Goose ■ Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 15,000 15,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Birds Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1989 5,000 5,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 25,000 25,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 This is an important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1989 7,500 7,500 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 areas. The mean total number of waterbirds in winter exceeds 20,000. Waterbird numbers quoted are rough estimates. This is an important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas. Waterbird numbers quoted are rough estimates. ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Protection status 262 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Witte en Zwarte Brekken, National Partial International None 285 ha). 124 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Samenvoeging, 124 ha). 30 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (It Skar en Feandyk, 83 ha). ■ Conservation issues 126 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Vogelhoek, Buitenlanden en Eilanden Fluessen, 126 ha). Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Industrialization/urbanization (C), Infrastructure (B) Wildfowl hunting disturbs birds. ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Recreation/tourism (C) The hunting of wildfowl, particularly geese, disturbs birds. A Lake Oudegaasterbrekken A4i, B1i, C3 061 compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by Admin region Friesland restrictions on agricultural practices. Coordinates 52°59’N 5°31’E Altitude (-1)–0 m Area 1,760 ha

■ Rottige Meenthe A4i, B1i, B2, C2 063 Site description and Brandemeer A complex of freshwater lakes and improved grassland situated to Admin region Friesland the south-west of the city of Sneek. This site, together with site 062, Coordinates 52°51’N 5°55’E formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL017) in the previous Altitude (-2)–2 m Area 1,920 ha pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989).

Habitats Wetland (48%; standing fresh water), Artificial landscape (45%; highly ■ Site description improved reseeded grassland), Unknown (7%) An area of small ponds and canals (former peat-workings) interspersed Land-use Agriculture (40%), Fisheries/aquaculture (45%), Hunting (20%), Nature with fens, reedbeds, swampy woodland and wet meadows, and located conservation/research (10%), Tourism/recreation (55%), Water management (100%) south of the city of Heerenveen, near to De Weerribben (064). Human activities include reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land-use, below). ■ Birds Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (70%; standing fresh Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (25%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Anser brachyrhynchus W 1989 15,000 15,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture (25%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Hunting (40%), Nature Pink-footed Goose conservation/research (65%), Other (25%), Tourism/recreation (10%), Urban/industrial/ transport (5%), Water management (100%) This is an important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas. Waterbird numbers quoted are rough estimates. ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National Partial International None Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1989 200 200 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 162 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Blauhuester Puollen, 167 ha). 16 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Grons, Sanmar, Gaastmar, A roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas. Waterbird 83 ha). numbers quoted are rough estimates.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National Partial International None Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Recreation/tourism (C) 459 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Brandemeer, 459 ha). A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by 798 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Rottige Meenthe, 798 ha). restrictions on agricultural practices. ■ Conservation issues Threats Drainage (B) Lake Fluessen, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 062 Vogelhoek and Morra The drainage of neighbouring farmland poses a threat. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by Admin region Friesland restrictions on agricultural practices. Coordinates 52°56’N 5°32’E Altitude (-4)–(-1) m Area 2,160 ha

De Weerribben B2, C6 064 ■ Site description Admin region Overijssel Habitats Wetland (82%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial Coordinates 52°47’N 5°55’E landscape (18%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Altitude (-1)–0 m Area 3,470 ha Land-use Agriculture (15%), Fisheries/aquaculture (77%), Hunting (50%), Nature conservation/research (12%), Tourism/recreation (87%), Water management (100%) ■ Site description A large freshwater lake with sparse water-fringe vegetation and An area of ponds and canals (former peat-workings), fens, reedbeds, surrounding wet meadows, located to the south-west of the city of swampy woodland and wet meadows, located to the west of the city

494 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands of Steenwijk. The site is situated close to site 063, and lies adjacent to A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by De Wieden (065) with which it formed a single site (the former restrictions on agricultural practices. site NL027) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Human activities include tourism and commercial reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land-use, below). Oostvaardersplassen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 066 Habitats Forest and woodland (33%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (47%; standing fresh Admin region Flevoland C2, C3, C4, C6 water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (20%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Coordinates 52°26’N 5°21’E Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Hunting (60%), Nature conservation/ Altitude (-5)–(-3) m Area 5,600 ha research (90%), Other (25%), Tourism/recreation (32%), Water management (100%) ■ Site description ■ Birds An extensive area of shallow lakes, pools, reedbeds, Salix woodland Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria and grassland which has developed on a polder (Zuidelijk Flevoland, Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1991 12 12 A B2, C6 reclaimed in 1968), having been spared from cultivation. It is situated Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1994 2 2 A C6 south of the city of Lelystad, and adjoins Markermeer (038) in the north. This site, together with site 067, formed part of a single, larger ■ Protection status site (former site NL031) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory National High International High (Grimmett and Jones 1989). 3,115 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Weerribben, 3,115 ha). Habitats Forest and woodland (8%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet 3,450 ha of IBA covered by National Park (De Weerribben, 3,450 ha). forest), Wetland (69%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial 3,400 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (De Weerribben, landscape (23%; ruderal land) 3,400 ha). 3,400 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (De Weerribben, Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%), Water management (100%) 3,400 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Industrialization/urbanization (U), Other (A) Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1991 6,246 6,246 A A4i, B1i, C3 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1991 4,247 4,247 A A4i, B1i, C3 The main threats are posed by commercial reed-harvesting (‘Other’ Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1991 7 7 A B2, C6 threat, above), and by nutrient pollution of wetlands by agricultural 1 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 192 192 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 and industrial/urban discharges. A compensation scheme is in place Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 582 582 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices. Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1991 475 475 A B1i, B3, C2, C6 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1991 6,723 6,723 A B1i, C3 Anser anser Greylag Goose N 1990 50,375 50,375 A A4i, B1i, C3 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1991 2,911 2,911 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 De Wieden B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 065 Anas strepera Gadwall N 1991 598 598 A B1i, C3 Admin region Overijssel Anas crecca Teal N 1990 52,580 52,580 A A4i, B1i, C3 Coordinates 52°42’N 6°03’E Anas acuta Pintail N 1991 5,013 5,013 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler N 1991 3,916 3,916 A B1i, C3 Altitude (-2)–0 m Area 8,440 ha Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier B 1991 58 58 A C6 Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 28 28 A C6 ■ Site description Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1990 4,281 4,281 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 An area of shallow lakes and canals (former peat-workings) with fens, Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 1990 5,596 5,596 A A4i, B1i, C3 Chlidonias niger Black Tern P 1991 2,336 2,336 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 reedbeds, swampy woodland and wet meadows, located to the north Luscinia svecica Bluethroat B 1991 750 750 A C6 of the city of Zwolle. The IBA is adjacent to De Weerribben (064), 1. No nesting occurred in 1996–1997 (water level too low). with which it formed a single site (‘De Wieden and De Weerribben’, the former site NL027) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory The site is the main roost for geese Anser from feeding areas in (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Human activities include water-sports, Flevoland, and is the most important moulting area for Anser anser tourism and reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land-use, below). in north-west Europe.

Habitats Forest and woodland (12%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (73%; standing fresh ■ Protection status water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (14%; highly improved reseeded grassland) National High International High Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (44%), Nature conservation/ 5,600 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Oostvaardersplassen, research (62%), Other (9%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Water management (100%) 5,600 ha). 5,600 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Oostvaardersplassen, 5,600 ha). 5,600 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Birds Protection Area (Oostvaardersplassen, 5,600 ha). 5,600 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Oostvaardersplassen, 5,600 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1991 864 864 A B1i, C3 ■ Conservation issues Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 5 5 A C6 Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1984 128 128 B B2, C2, C6 Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Natural events (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (C) A roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas, but no counts The main problems affecting the area are the natural succession of are available. vegetation and the effects of botulism on wild birds (‘Other’ threat, above). In 1997 the area was reconnected with Lepelaarplassen (067) ■ Protection status by a 250-m-wide stretch of marshland. National Partial International None 4,991 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Wieden, 4,991 ha). 285 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Wieden II, 285 ha). Lepelaarplassen A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 067 Admin region Flevoland ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 52°24’N 5°12’E Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (A), Altitude (-5)–(-3) m Area 510 ha Industrialization/urbanization (U), Other (B) The site is threatened by the drainage of surrounding polders, ■ Site description commercial reed-harvesting (‘Other’ threat, above), and by nutrient An area of shallow lakes, pools, reedbeds, and Salix woodland that pollution of wetlands by agricultural and industrial/urban discharges. has developed on a polder (Zuidelijk Flevoland, reclaimed in 1968),

495 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands having been spared from cultivation. The site is located to the west of Polder Zeevang A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 069 the city of Almere, and adjoins Markermeer (038) in the north. This Admin region Noord-Holland site, together with site 066, formed part of a single, larger site (former Coordinates 52°33’N 5°02’E site NL031) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett Altitude (-2)–(-1) m Area 1,250 ha and Jones 1989).

Habitats Forest and woodland (23%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (74%; standing ■ Site description fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) A polder complex comprising improved grassland, wet meadows and Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (5%), Water ditches with some water-fringe vegetation, adjoining Markermeer (038) management (100%) in the east.

Habitats Wetland (water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (98%; highly improved ■ Birds reseeded grassland) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (25%), Hunting (15%), Nature conservation/research (17%), Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1991 2,990 2,990 A A4i, B1i, C3 Urban/industrial/transport (7%), Water management (100%) Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1990 2,305 2,305 A B1i, C3 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 25 25 A B1i, B2, C2 Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck N 1991 16,810 16,810 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Birds Mergus albellus Smew W 1990 588 588 A B1i, C2, C6 1 Luscinia svecica Bluethroat B 1993 150 150 C C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1. Only one recent count available. Anas penelope Wigeon W 1993 15,256 15,256 A B1i, C3 The mean total number of waterbirds in January exceeds 20,000. ■ Protection status National High International Partial ■ Protection status 350 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Lepelaarplassen, National Partial International None 350 ha). 470 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Lepelaarplassen, 10 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Groote Braak (Braken 470 ha). 90 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Wilgenbos, 90 ha). IJsselmeerdijk), 14 ha). 202 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve 350 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Lepelaarplassen, (Zeevang, 202 ha). 350 ha). ■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Drainage (B) Threats Industrialization/urbanization (B), Natural events (B), Other (B) A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by The buffer zone that separates the site from Almere is under pressure restrictions on agricultural practices. from urban development, and the effects of the natural succession of vegetation and of botulism on wild birds (‘Other’ threat) pose additional problems. In 1997 the site was reconnected with A4i, B1i, C2, C3, C6 Oostvaardersplassen (066) by a 250-m-wide stretch of marshland. Wormer- and Jisperveld 070 Admin region Noord-Holland Coordinates 52°31’N 4°50’E Altitude (-2)–(-1) m Area 1,940 ha Eilandspolder B1i, C2 068 Admin region Noord-Holland ■ Site description Coordinates 52°34’N 4°51’E A polder landscape including a shallow lake, ditches, wet meadows Altitude (-2)–(-2) m Area 2,040 ha and marshland, situated to the north of the city of Zaandam. This site, together with sites 068, 071 and 072, formed part of a single, larger ■ Site description site (former site NL038) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory A polder complex consisting of pools, marshland, wet meadows and (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ditches, located to the east of the city of Alkmaar. Human activities Habitats Wetland (17%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial include reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land-use). This site, together with landscape (83%; highly improved reseeded grassland) sites 070–072, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL038) Land-use Agriculture (25%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (10%), in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones Nature conservation/research (32%), Tourism/recreation (11%), Water 1989). management (100%) Habitats Wetland (10%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (85%; highly improved reseeded grassland), Unknown (5%) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (30%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/ research (59%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Water management (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 38 38 A B1i, C2 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1991 17,410 17,410 A B1i, C3 ■ Birds Philomachus pugnax Ruff B 1993 19 19 B C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 1992 5,500 5,500 B A4i, B1i, C3 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 32 32 A B1i, C2 ■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International None National Partial International None 618 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Wormer- en Jisperveld, 671 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eilandspolder Oost, 618 ha). 671 ha). 323 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eilandspolder West, 323 ha). 214 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Polder ■ Conservation issues Mijzen, 214 ha). Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Conservation issues The main problems are the nutrient pollution of wetlands (‘Other’ Threats Recreation/tourism (B) threat, above), disturbance caused by ultra-light planes, and the effects A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by of urbanization. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers restrictions on agricultural practices. affected by restrictions on agricultural practices.

496 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Ilperveld, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 071 Oostelijke Vechtplassen B2, C2, C6 073 Varkensland and Twiske Admin region Utrecht, Noord-Holland Admin region Noord-Holland Coordinates 52°13’N 5°05’E Coordinates 52°27’N 4°56’E Altitude (-5)–0 m Area 7,040 ha Altitude (-2)–(-1) m Area 1,960 ha ■ Site description ■ Site description An extensive area of shallow lakes and canals (former peat-workings), A polder complex comprising pools, ditches, marshland, wet meadows, fens, reedbeds, swampy woodland, and wet meadows. The site is improved grassland and a recreational area (Twiske). The IBA is located to the west of the city of Hilversum, close to the River Vecht. located to the north of the city of Amsterdam, adjacent to Human activities include water-sports and reed-harvesting. Oostzanerveld (072). This site, together with sites 068, 070 and 072, Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (75%; standing fresh formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL038) in the previous water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; highly improved reseeded grassland) pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (60%), Hunting (80%), Nature Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; mixed forest), Wetland (22%; standing fresh water; conservation/research (27%), Tourism/recreation (65%), Urban/industrial/transport (8%), water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (70%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Water management (100%) Land-use Agriculture (40%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Hunting (70%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (8%), Water management (100%) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1991 3 3 B C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1992 66 66 A B2, C2, C6 Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1991 7 7 A B2, C6 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1993 21,526 21,526 B A4i, B1i, C3 An important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas, Philomachus pugnax Ruff B 1991 20 20 A C6 but no counts are available. Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 1992 9,850 9,850 B A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International None National Partial International None 80 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Moerasterrein 315 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Waterland Varkensland, Loosdrecht, 80 ha). 598 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve 315 ha). 531 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Varkensland, (Ankeveense Plassen, 598 ha). 176 ha of IBA covered by Nature 531 ha). Reserve (Het Hol, Kortenhoef, 176 ha). 50 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Horstermeerpolder, 50 ha). 51 ha of IBA covered by ■ Conservation issues Nature Reserve (Horstermeerpolder II, 51 ha). 328 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kortenhoefse Plassen, 328 ha). 445 ha of IBA Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Other, Recreation/tourism (B) covered by Nature Reserve (Loosdrechtse Plassen, 445 ha). 62 ha of The main threats to the site are nutrient pollution of wetlands (‘Other’ IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Polder Mijnden, 62 ha). 1 ha of IBA threat), recreation (on water and land), and disturbance caused by covered by Nature Reserve (Spiegelplas, 1 ha). 203 ha of IBA covered aircraft. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by Nature Reserve (Tienhovense Plassen, 203 ha). 16 ha of IBA by restrictions on agricultural practices. covered by Nature Reserve (Wijde Blik, 16 ha).

■ Conservation issues Oostzanerveld A4i, B1i, C3, C6 072 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Admin region Noord-Holland Industrialization/urbanization (U), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Coordinates 52°27’N 4°52’E The main problems affecting the site are the drainage of water to Altitude (-2)–1 m Area 750 ha surrounding low-lying polders, nutrient pollution of wetlands, disturbance to birds caused by boating, and reed-harvesting (‘Other’ ■ Site description threat). A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected The IBA comprises a polder landscape with wet meadows and ditches. by restrictions on agricultural practices. It is located to the north of the city of Amsterdam and adjoins Ilperveld, Varkensland and Twiske (071). This site, together with sites 068, 070 and 071, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL038) in the Naardermeer A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 074 previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Admin region Noord-Holland Habitats Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial Coordinates 52°18’N 5°07’E landscape (80%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Altitude (-2)–0 m Area 1,120 ha Land-use Agriculture (75%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (70%), Nature conservation/research (38%), Tourism/recreation (25%), Water management (100%) ■ Site description A complex of shallow freshwater lakes, pools and canals (former peat- ■ Birds workings), fens, reedbeds and swamp-forest, surrounded by improved Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria grassland which is being converted to wet meadows and marshland. The site is located alongside the Amsterdam to Bussum railway. Philomachus pugnax Ruff B 1991 14 14 A C6 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit N 1992 6,000 6,000 B A4i, B1i, C3 Habitats Forest and woodland (17%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (43%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (40%; highly improved reseeded grassland) ■ Protection status Land-use Agriculture (20%), Nature conservation/research (94%), Water management (100%) National Partial International None 279 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Oostzanerveld, 279 ha). ■ Birds ■ Conservation issues Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Threats Recreation/tourism (B) Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1991 3,414 3,414 A A4i, B1i, C3 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1991 31 31 A C6 A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1991 32 32 A B1i, B2, C2 restrictions on agricultural practices.

497 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National High International Partial National Partial International High 1,049 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Naardermeer, 1,049 ha). 60 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (De Haak, 60 ha). 10 ha 750 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Naardermeer, of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Haeck, 10 ha). 39 ha of IBA 750 ha). 752 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Naardermeer, covered by Nature Reserve (De Meije, 39 ha). 1,127 ha of IBA 752 ha). covered by Nature Reserve (Nieuwkoopse Plassen, 1,127 ha). 2,000 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Nieuwkoopse Plassen, ■ Conservation issues 2,000 ha). Threats Groundwater abstraction (B), Other (U) ■ Conservation issues Nutrient pollution of wetlands is a problem (‘Other’ threat), as Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (B) is the abstraction of water to supply lower-lying agricultural polders. The restoration of marshland (formerly agricultural The main problems affecting the site include drainage of water to grassland) will enable a link to be made between this site and the lower-lying polders, and nutrient pollution of wetlands (‘Other’ threat). Ankeveense Plassen marsh area (the northern part of site 073) in the A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by near future. restrictions on agricultural practices.

Polder Arkemheen A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 075 Reeuwijkse Plassen A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4 077 Admin region Gelderland Admin region Zuid-Holland Coordinates 52°14’N 5°26’E Coordinates 52°03’N 4°47’E Altitude (-1)–0 m Area 1,460 ha Altitude (-5)–(-1) m Area 1,650 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description A polder of wet grassland, located to the north-east of the city of A complex of shallow lakes interspersed with strips of land, reed Amersfoort. The site adjoins Lake Wolderwijd (043) in the east and is margins, wet meadows and improved grassland, located to the north- close to Lake Eemmeer (045) in the west. This site, together with east of the city of Gouda. site 045, formed part of a single, larger site (former site NL033) in the Habitats Wetland (51%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). landscape (45%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Habitats Artificial landscape (100%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (20%), Fisheries/aquaculture (45%), Hunting (50%), Land-use Agriculture (65%), Hunting (90%), Nature conservation/research (12%), Nature conservation/research (14%), Tourism/recreation (55%), Water Tourism/recreation (5%), Water management (100%) management (100%)

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1991 2,808 2,808 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1992 193 193 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1992 14,976 14,976 A B1i, C3

■ Protection status The average seasonal peak number of waterbirds during 1992–1996 National Partial International None was more than 20,000. 170 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Arkemheen, 170 ha). ■ Protection status ■ Conservation issues National Partial International None 227 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Reeuwijkse Plassen, Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (B), Industrialization/ 227 ha). urbanization (C) The main threats in the long term are posed by (further) drainage and ■ Conservation issues the expansion of the city of Amersfoort and nearby villages. A Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Recreation/tourism (B) compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices. Hunting in the southern part of the site causes disturbance to birds. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices. Nieuwkoopse Plassen B2, C2, C6 076 Admin region Zuid-Holland Coordinates 52°09’N 4°47’E Zouweboezem C6 078 Altitude (-5)–(-1) m Area 2,000 ha Admin region Zuid-Holland Coordinates 51°57’N 5°00’E Altitude (-1)–1 m Area 140 ha ■ Site description A complex of shallow freshwater lakes, pools, canals, reedbeds, wet meadows and swamp-forest, located 15 km north-west of the city of ■ Site description Utrecht. The site comprises reedbeds, scrub and wet meadows alongside a canal, and adjoins the River Lek (an arm of the Rhine) south-west of the Habitats Wetland (69%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial city of Utrecht. Human activities include reed-harvesting (‘Other’ land- landscape (27%; highly improved reseeded grassland) use). This site, together with site 080, formed part of a single, larger Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Hunting (25%), Nature conservation/research (59%), site (former site NL042) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory Tourism/recreation (27%), Water management (100%) (Grimmett and Jones 1989).

Habitats Wetland (80%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial ■ Birds landscape (20%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (20%), Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Hunting (36%), Nature Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1991 107 107 A B2, C2, C6 conservation/research (51%), Other (5%), Tourism/recreation (30%), Water Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1991 88 88 A B2, C2, C6 management (100%)

498 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Birds 60 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Oeverlanden langs de Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Linge, 170 ha). 4 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1991 19 19 A C6 (Oeverlanden langs de Linge, 95 ha). 60 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Linge Oevers, 60 ha). 219 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Nieuwe Zuider Lingedijk, 219 ha). ■ Protection status National Partial International High ■ Conservation issues 71 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Zouweboezem, 71 ha). Threats Recreation/tourism (B) 140 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Zouweboezem, 140 ha).

■ Conservation issues Yersekse and B1i, C3 081 Threats Other (A) Kapelse Moer Admin region Zeeland The main threat is commercial reed-harvesting (‘Other’ threat). A Coordinates 51°29’N 4°02’E compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by Altitude 0–1 m Area 490 ha restrictions on agricultural practices.

■ Site description A complex of wet grassland, hedges and woodland patches situated Donkse Laagten B1i, C3 079 on both sides of the Kanaal door Zuid-Beveland Canal that connects Admin region Zuid-Holland Oosterschelde (028) and Westerschelde and Saeftinghe (032). The site Coordinates 51°54’N 4°48’E is located east of the city of Goes. Altitude (-2)–1 m Area 180 ha Habitats Artificial landscape (100%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (20%), Hunting (50%), Nature conservation/research (66%), ■ Site description Tourism/recreation (30%), Water management (100%) The IBA is situated in the Alblasserwaard polder, east of Rotterdam, and is covered by wet meadows. There are three duck decoys. ■ Birds Habitats Artificial landscape (100%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture (50%), Hunting (25%), Nature conservation/research (95%), Water Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria management (100%) Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1991 16,112 16,112 A B1i, C3

■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National Partial International None Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1993 8,419 8,419 B B1i, C3 117 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kapelse Moer, 117 ha). 205 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Yerseke Moer, 205 ha).

■ Protection status ■ Conservation issues National High International None Threats Drainage (B) 171 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Donkse Laagten, 171 ha). A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by ■ Conservation issues restrictions on agricultural practices. Threats Unknown

Fochteloërveen A4i, B1i, C3 082 and Lake Esmeer Banks of River Linge C6 080 Admin region Friesland, Drenthe Admin region Gelderland, Zuid-Holland Coordinates 53°01’N 6°24’E Coordinates 51°52’N 5°04’E Altitude 9–12 m Area 3,830 ha Altitude 0–1 m Area 610 ha ■ Site description ■ Site description A complex of raised bogs, heathland, open water, forested areas and The site is located to the north-east of the city of Gorinchem and some improved grasslands. The site is located west of the city of Assen. consists of the channel of the River Linge, its narrow flood-plain and Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; mixed forest), Scrub (10%; heathland), Wetland excavations along the Nieuwe Zuider Lingedijk dyke, as well as (45%; raised bog), Artificial landscape (25%; highly improved reseeded grassland) associated wet meadows, marshland and swampy woodland. This site, Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (10%), Hunting (20%), Nature conservation/ together with site 078, formed part of a single, larger site (former research (62%), Water management (100%) site NL042) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). ■ Birds Habitats Forest and woodland (19%; mixed forest; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (33%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (48%; highly Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria improved reseeded grassland) 1 Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 1991 5,193 5,193 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture (30%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Nature conservation/ 1. A. f. rossicus. research (58%), Tourism/recreation (25%), Water management (100%) An important roost for geese Anser from surrounding feeding areas, but no counts are available. ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Protection status National Partial International None Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1991 19 19 A C6 2,302 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Fochteloërveen, 2,302 ha). 57 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Huis ter Heide, 57 ha). ■ Protection status 2,500 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Fochteloërveen, National Partial International None 2,500 ha).

499 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Conservation issues Engbertsdijksvenen C6 085 Threats Disturbance to birds (B) Admin region Overijssel Coordinates 52°29’N 6°40’E Goose hunting disturbs birds. Altitude 14–16 m Area 1,030 ha

■ Site description Dwingelderveld B1i, C3 083 One of the last remaining raised bogs in the Netherlands, c.10 ha of Admin region Drenthe which has not been cut for peat. The site is located to the north of the Coordinates 52°49’N 6°23’E city of Almelo, and is surrounded by arable land. Altitude 8–10 m Area 3,800 ha Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; mixed forest), Scrub (50%; heathland), Wetland (45%; raised bog) ■ Site description Land-use Nature conservation/research (95%), Tourism/recreation (20%), Water An area of heathland and fen containing c.40 freshwater bodies of management (100%) various sizes, surrounded by predominantly coniferous forest. The site is located to the north-west of the city of Hoogeveen. ■ Birds Habitats Forest and woodland (50%; mixed forest), Scrub (45%; heathland) Land-use Forestry (12%), Hunting (75%), Nature conservation/research (85%), Tourism/ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria recreation (50%), Water management (100%) Grus grus Crane P 1991 46 46 A C6

■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National High International High 1 Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 1991 812 812 A B1i, C3 865 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Engbertsdijkvenen I, 865 ha). 110 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Engberts- 1. A. f. fabalis. dijkvenen II, 110 ha). 954 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Engbertsdijkvenen, 954 ha). 975 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Protection status Protection Area (Engbertsdijkvenen, 975 ha). 975 ha of IBA covered National High International High by Ramsar Site (Engbertsdijkvenen, 975 ha). 1,366 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Dwingelderveld, 1,366 ha). 1 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Dwingelderveld II, 1 ha). ■ Conservation issues 1,849 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kraloerheide en Threats Drainage (B) Dwingelo, 1,849 ha). 3,600 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Dwingelderveld, 3,600 ha). 3,692 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Dwingelderveld, 3,692 ha).

■ Mariapeel C6 086 Conservation issues and Deurnesepeel Threats Drainage (C) Admin region Noord-Brabant, Limburg Coordinates 51°25’N 5°54’E Altitude 32–33 m Area 2,560 ha

Bargerveen B2, C6 084 ■ Site description Admin region Drenthe The site comprises two adjacent areas that contain remnant fragments Coordinates 52°41’N 7°02’E of a raised bog (formerly 30,000 ha in extent), and includes pools, Altitude 17–20 m Area 2,200 ha peatlands, marshes, swampy Betula forest, heathland and grassland. The area is located between the cities of Helmond and Venlo. This ■ Site description site, together with sites 087 and 088, formed part of a single, larger An area of peatland and pools located in the south-eastern corner of site (former site NL056) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory Drenthe province near to the German border, which includes one of (Grimmett and Jones 1989). the last remaining raised bogs in the Netherlands. The majority of the Habitats Forest and woodland (41%; mixed forest), Scrub (9%; heathland), Wetland site has been cut for peat but some parts remain intact. (50%; raised bog) Habitats Scrub (50%; heathland), Wetland (36%; raised bog), Artificial landscape (10%; Land-use Forestry (5%), Hunting (20%), Nature conservation/research (89%), Tourism/ highly improved reseeded grassland) recreation (50%), Water management (100%) Land-use Nature conservation/research (92%), Tourism/recreation (30%), Water management (100%) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds Grus grus Crane P 1992 100 100 A C6 1 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Luscinia svecica Bluethroat B 1990 176 176 C C6 Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 10 10 A C6 1. Only one recent count available. Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike B 1990 64 64 B B2, C6 ■ Protection status ■ Protection status National High International High National High International High 500 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Deurnese Peel, 66 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Meerstalblok, 66 ha). 500 ha). 1,000 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Deurnese 2,100 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bargerveen, 2,100 ha). Peel, 1,000 ha). 1,100 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument 2,100 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Bargerveen, (Mariapeel, 1,100 ha). 449 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve 2,100 ha). 2,100 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Bargerveen, 2,100 ha). (Deurnese Peel, 449 ha). 1,142 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Mariapeel, 1,142 ha). 1,450 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Conservation issues Protection Area (Deurnese Peelgebieden, 1,450 ha). 1,060 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Mariapeel, 1,060 ha). Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B) 1,450 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Deurnese Peelgebieden, Hunting of geese Anser disturbs birds. 1,450 ha).

500 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (B), Infrastructure (B), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Recreation/tourism (B) Grus grus Crane P 1991 87 87 A C6 Threats include acidification from surrounding farms, the construction of roads, cycle-paths, bridges and tracks, and the ■ Protection status succession of vegetation that is attendant upon drainage (scrub National Partial International None encroachment in the northern part of the site has not been fully 375 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Beuven, 375 ha). 876 ha suppressed). of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Strabrechtse Heide, 876 ha).

■ Conservation issues Groote Peel B1i, C3, C6 087 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (B) Admin region Noord-Brabant, Limburg Coordinates 51°20’N 5°49’E Altitude 27–29 m Area 1,350 ha De Wilck A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 089 Admin region Zuid-Holland ■ Site description Coordinates 52°07’N 4°33’E The area contains remnant fragments of a raised bog (formerly Altitude (-2)–(-1) m Area 770 ha 30,000 ha in extent), and includes pools, peatlands, marshes, swampy Betula forest and Molinia heathland. The site is situated near to Mariapeel en Deurnesepeel (086), north-east of the city of Weert. This ■ Site description site, together with sites 086 and 088, formed part of a single, larger An area of wet meadows and improved grassland located to the south- site (former site NL056) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory east of the city of Leiden. (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Habitats Artificial landscape (99%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; mixed forest), Scrub (30%; heathland), Wetland Land-use Agriculture (100%), Nature conservation/research (17%), Tourism/recreation (10%) (60%; raised bog) Land-use Forestry (5%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/research (99%), Tourism/ ■ Birds recreation (30%), Water management (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1993 248 248 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status 1 Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 1991 3,262 3,262 A B1i, C3 Luscinia svecica Bluethroat B 1993 313 313 B C6 National Partial International None 127 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Wilck, 127 ha). 1. A. f. rossicus. The site is a roost for Anser fabalis, but counts probably underestimate ■ Conservation issues actual numbers. Threats Drainage (B), Recreation/tourism (C) ■ Protection status National High International High 900 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (De Groote Peel I, Zwarte Water A4i, B1i, C2, C3 090 900 ha). 440 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (De Groote and Overijsselse Vecht Peel II, 440 ha). 1,024 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Admin region Overijssel Groote Peel, 1,024 ha). 1,300 ha of IBA covered by National Park Coordinates 52°37’N 6°05’E (De Groote Peel, 1,300 ha). 1,320 ha of IBA covered by Special Altitude 0–4 m Area 1,480 ha Protection Area (De Groote Peel, 1,320 ha). 1,320 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (De Groote Peel, 1,320 ha). ■ Site description ■ Conservation issues The site covers the channels and flood-plain of these two small rivers, and contains wet meadows, water-fringe vegetation and pools. The Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (B) site is adjacent to Zwartemeer (040) and is situated to the north of the Threats include drainage and acidification from surrounding city of Zwolle. Human activities include reed-harvesting. farms. Habitats Grassland (74%; humid grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (21%; river/ stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven C6 088 Land-use Agriculture (81%), Hunting (80%), Nature conservation/research (25%), Admin region Noord-Brabant Tourism/recreation (10%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%), Water management (100%) Coordinates 51°23’N 5°38’E Altitude 22–26 m Area 1,630 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1993 363 363 A A4i, B1i, C2 Tracts of heathland and fen interspersed with forestry plantations Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1993 12,800 12,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 (mixed woodland), arable land and a shallow freshwater lake (Beuven). The site is located to the south-east of the city of Eindhoven. This site, together with sites 086 and 087, formed part of a single, larger ■ Protection status site (former site NL056) in the previous pan-European IBA inventory National Partial International None (Grimmett and Jones 1989). 41 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Kievitsbloemterreinen Ov Vecht en Zwarte Water, 41 ha). 85 ha of IBA covered by Natural Habitats Scrub (72%; heathland), Wetland (5%; standing fresh water), Artificial Monument (Kievitsbloemterreinen Zwarte Water, 85 ha). 123 ha of landscape (23%; highly improved reseeded grassland; forestry plantation) IBA covered by Natural Monument (Kievitsbloemterreinen langs de Land-use Agriculture (10%), Hunting (15%), Nature conservation/research (77%), Overijsselse Vecht, 123 ha). 115 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve Tourism/recreation (50%), Water management (100%) (Buitenlanden Langenholte, 115 ha). 132 ha of IBA covered by Nature

501 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Reserve (Oeverlanden langs de Vecht, 132 ha). 176 ha of IBA covered ■ Conservation issues by Nature Reserve (Uiterwaarden Zwarte Water, 176 ha). Threats Groundwater abstraction (C) ■ Conservation issues Groundwater abstraction takes place just outside the site, and as a result the groundwater-level has dropped by several decimetres within Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/ a radius of 500 m. barrage (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), Other (B) The main problems affecting the site are the excessive harvesting and burning of reedbeds (‘Other’ threat), disturbance caused by wildfowl C6 hunting, and the construction of a storm-surge barrier (see Lake Drents–Friese Wold 093 Admin region Friesland, Drenthe Zwartemeer [site 040]). Coordinates 52°54’N 6°20’E Altitude 9–11 m Area 7,100 ha

Oudeland van Strijen A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3 091 ■ Site description Admin region Zuid-Holland An extensive area of forestry plantations (85% of the IBA area), located Coordinates 51°46’N 4°31’E 20 km south-west of the city of Assen. Forest stands are mainly of Altitude (-2)–(-2) m Area 1,070 ha conifers but also include some deciduous/mixed woodlands. They are of various ages and under various forestry regimes, and are interspersed ■ Site description with patches of heathland and fen. An expanse of wet grassland overlying a clay polder to the south of Habitats Scrub (10%; heathland), Artificial landscape (90%; highly improved reseeded the city of Rotterdam. grassland; forestry plantation) Habitats Grassland (96%; humid grassland) Land-use Forestry (30%), Hunting (100%), Nature conservation/research (84%), Land-use Agriculture (90%), Nature conservation/research (96%), Water management Tourism/recreation (50%), Water management (100%) (100%) ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard B 1989 17 17 C C6 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1993 9,709 9,709 A B1i, C3 Dryocopus martius Black Woodpecker R 1990 60 60 C C6 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1993 2,318 2,318 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 1. Only one recent count available.

The site is well known for its wintering geese Anser and breeding waders. Geese from this feeding area roost in the Haringvliet (024). ■ Protection status National High International None ■ Protection status 1,000 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Berkenheuvel, 1,000 ha). National Partial International None 1,849 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Boswachterij Appelscha, 380 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Oudeland van Strijen, 1,849 ha). 2,471 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Boswachterij 380 ha). Smilde, 2,471 ha). 63 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bouwersveld, 63 ha). 426 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve ■ Conservation issues (Doldersummer Veld, 426 ha). 119 ha of IBA covered by Nature No serious threats are known. The core of the area was recently Reserve (Kern Boswachterij Vledderveld, 119 ha). 108 ha of IBA acquired for conservation as part of a programme of land covered by Nature Reserve (Vledderhof, 108 ha). 6,130 ha of IBA consolidation. covered by National Park (Drents-Friese Woud, 6,130 ha).

■ Conservation issues Dunes of Schoorl B2 092 Threats Recreation/tourism (C) Admin region Noord-Holland Coordinates 52°42’N 4°40’E Altitude 0–30 m Area 2,500 ha Veluwe C6 094 Admin region Gelderland ■ Site description Coordinates 52°10’N 5°50’E The northern part of an extensive, contiguous dune system, bounded Altitude 32–40 m Area 91,800 ha on its northern side by the Hondsbossche Zeewering (sea dyke) and on its southern side by the road to Bergen aan Zee. The dunes include an artificial lake and the majority of the woodland consists of planted ■ Site description conifers. An extensive area of forestry plantations, heathland, fen and sand- drifts, situated in the centre of the country. Forest stands consist mainly Habitats Wetland (50%; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water), Artificial of conifers but with some deciduous/mixed woodland, and are of landscape (50%; forestry plantation) various ages and under various forestry regimes. The site is bordered Land-use Forestry (25%), Hunting (30%), Nature conservation/research (100%), in the south by the River Rhine and in the east by the valley of the Tourism/recreation (100%) River IJssel. Small villages are excluded from the site.

Habitats Scrub (26%; heathland), Artificial landscape (72%; forestry plantation) ■ Birds Land-use Forestry (40%), Military (7%), Nature conservation/research (41%), Tourism/ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria recreation (30%), Urban/industrial/transport (8%), Water management (100%) Larus canus Common Gull B 1991 2,415 2,415 A B2 ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National High International None 1 Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard B 1990 165 165 C C6 648 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Duinen bij Bergen, 2 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1995 191 191 B C6 1,250 ha). 1,760 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Schoorlse Alcedo atthis Kingfisher R 1992 19 19 B C6 Duinen, 1,760 ha). 1,852 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve 1 Dryocopus martius Black Woodpecker R 1990 700 700 C C6 (Schoorlse Duinen, 1,852 ha).

502 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1992 1,375 1,375 B C6 Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1991 19 19 A C6 Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit B 1991 63 63 B C6 1 Dryocopus martius Black Woodpecker R 1992 26 26 C C6 Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike B 1990 17 17 B C6 1. Only one recent count available. 1. Only one recent estimate available. 2. Mean for central and southern part of area. ■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International None National Partial International None 2,321 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sallandse Heuvelrug, 35 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (‘t Sol, 35 ha). 69 ha of IBA 2,321 ha). 907 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sprengenberg, covered by Nature Reserve (Beekbergerwoud, 69 ha). 28 ha of IBA 907 ha). covered by Nature Reserve (Bergsham, 28 ha). 448 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bruggelen, 448 ha). 463 ha of IBA covered by ■ Conservation issues Nature Reserve (De Dellen en Ambtsbos, 463 ha). 285 ha of IBA Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (B) covered by Nature Reserve (De Haere, 285 ha). 1,173 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Deelerwoud, 1,173 ha). 52 ha of IBA Blocks of conifer plantations have been felled in order to increase the covered by Nature Reserve (Deelerwoud II, 52 ha). 2,014 ha of IBA area of heathland, thereby benefiting Tetrao tetrix. covered by Nature Reserve (Garderen, 2,014 ha). 1,293 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Hoenderloo, 1,293 ha). 244 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Hoeve Delle, 244 ha). 155 ha of IBA Loonse and Drunense Duinen C6 096 covered by Nature Reserve (Hoog Buurlose Heide, 155 ha). 3,537 ha Admin region Noord-Brabant of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kootwijk, 3,537 ha). 1,425 ha of Coordinates 51°39’N 5°06’E IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leuvenhorst, 1,425 ha). 837 ha of Altitude 9–21 m Area 4,090 ha IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leuvenumse Bos, 837 ha). 1,157 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Loenermark en Loener Bos, 1,157 ha). 135 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Majuba, 135 ha). ■ Site description 4,904 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Nationaal Park The largest area of inland sand-drifts in Europe, surrounded by forest Veluwezoom, 4,904 ha). 2,125 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve and located west of the city of ‘s Hertogenbosch. Forest stands consist (Nunspeet, 2,125 ha). 172 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve of deciduous/mixed woodlands and conifer plantations of various ages (Orderbos, 172 ha). 104 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve and under varying management regimes. (Otterlose Bos, 104 ha). 224 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve Habitats Scrub (6%; heathland), Rocky areas (15%; inland sand-dunes), (Oud-Groevenbeek, 224 ha). 1,965 ha of IBA covered by Nature Artificial landscape (79%; highly improved reseeded grassland; forestry Reserve (Planken Wambuis, 1,965 ha). 143 ha of IBA covered by plantation) Nature Reserve (Ramenberg, 143 ha). 162 ha of IBA covered by Land-use Nature conservation/research (70%), Tourism/recreation (50%) Nature Reserve (Reeënberg, 162 ha). 447 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Rozendaal, 447 ha). 168 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Scherpenberg en Morena, 168 ha). 2,535 ha of IBA covered ■ Birds by Nature Reserve (Speulder- en Sprielderbos, 2,535 ha). 40 ha of IBA Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria covered by Nature Reserve (Steilhul, 40 ha). 350 ha of IBA covered Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1991 4 4 A C6 by Nature Reserve (Sysselt, 350 ha). 210 ha of IBA covered by Nature Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1991 49 49 A C6 Reserve (Tongerense heide, 210 ha). 1,442 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Ugchelen, 1,442 ha). 429 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Varenna, 429 ha). 509 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve ■ Protection status (Wekeromse Zand, 509 ha). 38 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve National High International None (Wilde Kamp, 38 ha). 104 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve 410 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Brand, 410 ha). 2,211 ha (Zandhegge, 104 ha). 5,400 ha of IBA covered by Private Reserve (De of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Loonse en Drunense Duinen, Hoge Veluwe, 5,400 ha). 2,211 ha). 262 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Plantloon, 262 ha). 3,400 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Loonse en ■ Conservation issues Drunense Duinen, 3,400 ha). Threats Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Conservation issues The main problems are scrub encroachment (which is reducing the Threats Recreation/tourism (B) extent of heathland), infrastructural development (an expanding network of roads, cycle-paths and footpaths), and recreation (including hot-air balloons and mountain bikes). Regte Heide C6 097 Admin region Noord-Brabant Sallandse Heuvelrug C6 095 Coordinates 51°31’N 5°02’E Admin region Overijssel Altitude 15–21 m Area 410 ha Coordinates 52°20’N 6°25’E Altitude 10–74 m Area 4,100 ha ■ Site description A small area of heathland situated on a sand ridge running between ■ Site description two stream valleys. The site is located to the south-west of the city of An area of forestry plantations and dry heathland, located between Tilburg, and contains scattered trees and some woodland (deciduous/ the villages of Nijverdal and Holten. Forest stands consist of mixed and coniferous). deciduous/mixed woodlands and conifer plantations of various ages Habitats Scrub (60%; heathland), Artificial landscape (35%; highly improved reseeded and under varying management regimes. grassland; forestry plantation), Unknown (5%) Habitats Scrub (25%; heathland), Artificial landscape (75%; forestry plantation) Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) Land-use Forestry (40%), Nature conservation/research (79%), Tourism/recreation (50%) ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The site holds the only viable population of Tetrao tetrix in the Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1991 5 5 A C6 country.

503 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

■ Protection status of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Rode Hoek, 137 ha). 1,460 ha of National Partial International None IBA covered by National Park (De Hamert, 1,460 ha). 1,460 ha of IBA 340 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Regte Heide en covered by Special Protection Area (De Hamert, 1,460 ha). Ooijevaarsnest, 474 ha). ■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Unknown Threats Unknown The main problem is scrub encroachment, which is reducing the extent of heathland. De Utrecht C6 100 Admin region Noord-Brabant Coordinates 51°26’N 5°08’E Oirschotse Heide C6 098 Altitude 20–32 m Area 3,870 ha Admin region Noord-Brabant Coordinates 51°29’N 5°21’E ■ Site description Altitude 20–22 m Area 1,190 ha The site is adjacent to the De Utrecht estate, and consists of wet heathland, fen, woodland and some cultivated land. Forest stands ■ Site description consist of deciduous/mixed woodlands and conifer plantations of A military training area comprising dry heathland and forest, located various ages and under varying management regimes. The site is to the north-west of the city of Eindhoven. Forest stands consist of located along the Belgian border, south-east of the city of Tilburg. conifer plantations and deciduous/mixed woodlands of various ages Habitats Scrub (10%; heathland), Artificial landscape (90%; highly improved reseeded and under varying management regimes. grassland; forestry plantation) Habitats Scrub (44%; heathland), Artificial landscape (50%; forestry plantation), Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (40%), Nature conservation/research (23%), Unknown (6%) Tourism/recreation (50%), Water management (100%) Land-use Military (80%), Tourism/recreation (50%) ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1988 26 26 B C6 Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1991 8 8 A C6 The site holds a remnant population of Tetrao tetrix. ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Protection status 900 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Mispeleindse en National None International None Neterselse Heide, 900 ha). 471 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Rovertse Heide, 471 ha). ■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (A) Threats Unknown

De Hamert/Bergerbossen C6 099 Admin region Limburg Weerter- and Budelerbergen C6 101 Coordinates 51°31’N 6°10’E Admin region Noord-Brabant, Limburg Altitude 18–31 m Area 4,030 ha Coordinates 51°16’N 5°38’E Altitude 33–35 m Area 2,890 ha ■ Site description A 20-km-long area of heathland and forest with scrub, fen, hedges ■ Site description and some cultivated land. Forest stands consist of conifer plantations An area of woodland and dry heathland located to the north-west of and deciduous/mixed woodlands of various ages and under varying the city of Weert. Forest stands consist of deciduous/mixed woodlands management regimes. The site is situated on the east bank of the River and conifer plantations of various ages and under varying management Maas (also known as ‘Maasduinen’), between the villages of Heijen regimes. and Arcen. Habitats Scrub (20%; heathland), Artificial landscape (80%; forestry plantation) Habitats Scrub (27%; heathland), Artificial landscape (67%; forestry plantation) Land-use Forestry (30%), Military (50%), Nature conservation/research (28%), Tourism/ Land-use Forestry (45%), Hunting (65%), Nature conservation/research (44%), Tourism/ recreation (50%), Urban/industrial/transport (6%), Water management (100%) recreation (50%), Water management (5%) ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1992 49 49 C C6 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1993 43 43 B C6 1 Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit B 1992 3 3 C C6 1 Dryocopus martius Black Woodpecker R 1993 29 29 C C6 1. Only one recent count available. Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1993 151 151 B C6 1. Only one recent count available. ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Protection status 547 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Het Weerterbos, 547 ha). National Partial International Partial 232 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Hugterheide, 232 ha). 21 ha 444 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Heideterreinen Bergen, of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Weerterheide, 21 ha). 444 ha). 598 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bergerbos, 598 ha). 113 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bosserheide, 113 ha). 123 ha ■ Conservation issues of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eckeltse Bergen, 123 ha). 824 ha of Threats Unknown IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Landgoed de Hamert, 824 ha). 137 ha

504 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands

woodlands and conifer plantations of various ages and under varying Leudal C6 102 management regimes. The site is situated along the German border, Admin region Limburg east of the city of Roermond. Coordinates 51°15’N 5°55’E Altitude 23–28 m Area 720 ha ■ Birds This site has been included because it concerns a designated Special ■ Site description Protection Area. In the national IBA review this site was included as A small area of mixed woodland alongside two streams, located to the fifth most important site nationally for Caprimulgus europaeus but the north-west of the city of Roermond. it has now lost this position, after the addition of Brabantse Wal (105) as an IBA. Habitats Artificial landscape (95%; highly improved reseeded grassland, forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture (5%), Forestry (25%), Hunting (100%), Nature conservation/ ■ Protection status research (65%), Tourism/recreation (15%), Water management (100%) National High International Partial 1,051 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Meinweg, 1,051 ha). ■ Birds 1,600 ha of IBA covered by National Park (De Meinweg, 1,600 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1,600 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (De Meinweg, 1 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher R 1992 4 4 C C6 1,600 ha). 1. Only one recent count available. ■ Conservation issues Threats Unknown ■ Protection status National Partial International None 470 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leudal, 470 ha). Brabantse Wal C6 105 ■ Conservation issues Admin region Noord-Brabant Threats Unknown Coordinates 51°26’N 4°22’E Altitude 10–26 m Area 5,800 ha

■ Site description C6 Leenderbos and Groote Heide 103 An area of woodland and heathland, located south of the city of Bergen Admin region Noord-Brabant op Zoom. The site is adjacent to the Belgian IBA of Kalmhoutsche Coordinates 51°20’N 5°30’E Heide. Forest stands consist of deciduous/mixed woodlands and conifer Altitude 26–29 m Area 2,270 ha plantations of various ages and under varying management regimes.

Habitats Scrub (heathland), Artificial landscape (97%; highly improved reseeded ■ Site description grassland; forestry plantation) An area of dry heathland, fen and forestry plantations (mixed woodland Land-use Agriculture (5%), Forestry (50%), Hunting (90%), Military (6%), Nature and conifers) located to the south-east of the city of Eindhoven. conservation/research (24%), Tourism/recreation (80%) Habitats Scrub (22%; heathland), Artificial landscape (75%; highly improved reseeded grassland; forestry plantation) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (5%), Forestry (50%), Hunting (97%), Nature conservation/ research (97%), Tourism/recreation (95%), Water management (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1994 68 68 A C6 ■ Dryocopus martius Black Woodpecker R 1994 48 48 A C6 Birds Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1994 63 63 A C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria This site is important at the EU level for Caprimulgus europaeus, Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1995 17 18 A C6 1 Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1991 50 50 C C6 Dryocopus martius and Lullula arborea. 1. Only one recent count available. ■ Protection status National None International None ■ Protection status National High International None ■ Conservation issues 2,055 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leende I, 2,055 ha). Threats Groundwater abstraction (B), Recreation/tourism (C) 158 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Leende II, 258 ha). Groundwater abstraction is a major problem. ■ Conservation issues Threats Unknown Kampina C7 106 Admin region Noord-Brabant Coordinates 51°34’N 5°16’E Meinweg C7 104 Altitude 8–11 m Area 1,150 ha Admin region Limburg Coordinates 51°10’N 6°08’E ■ Site description Altitude 26–72 m Area 1,990 ha An area of heathland and fen, intersected by streams and surrounded by woodland, situated to the east of the city of Tilburg. ■ Site description Habitats Forest and woodland (50%; mixed forest), Scrub (40%; heathland), Wetland Habitats Scrub (23%; heathland), Artificial landscape (76%; highly improved reseeded (10%; fen/transition mire/spring) grassland; forestry plantation) Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (50%) Land-use Forestry (45%), Hunting (80%), Nature conservation/research (53%), Tourism/ recreation (25%), Water management (20%) ■ Birds An area of partly wet heathland and fen, with two valleys which Until 1989 the site held a small population of Tetrao tetrix (and was support woodland. Woodland stands consist of deciduous/mixed considered fifth in order of national importance for this species,

505 Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Netherlands together with two other nearby sites). Eight other species, listed in 1,150 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Kampina, 1,213 ha). Annex I of the EC Birds Directive, breed at the site although not in 1,150 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Kampina, appreciable numbers. The fens in the area are used for roosting by 1,150 ha). wintering geese, but counts are not available. ■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status The site was designated as an SPA in 1986 but the basis for the National High International High designation is not available.

REFERENCES

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508