On October 31, 2025, the sluice in the western wetland of the Oostvaardersplassen was closed by Deputy Harold Hofstra and area manager Wouter Wubben of Staatsbosbeheer. This allows the water level to slowly rise again, ending five years of drought. The drought began in 2020 because much reed had disappeared due to high water and greylag geese. By draining water through the sluice, the geese left and the reed could grow again.
New Phase
Now that the reed has grown by over 600 hectares, the water level can rise again. Deputy Harold Hofstra: “By raising the water level again, we enter a new phase after the wetland reset and more wetland birds will return to this special area. It is great to see that the Province of Flevoland, together with Staatsbosbeheer, has worked hard on this Natura 2000 project to restore natural values. The results so far are promising.”
Birds Return
In recent years, more and more birds have returned to the dry reed, such as bluethroats, reed warblers, and waders searching for food on the muddy bottom. The dried-up Grote Plas quickly filled with plants whose seeds are eagerly eaten by ducks like teal in winter. Now that the water level is rising again, wetland birds that need more water are also returning, such as the bittern, water rail, and the rare watercock. Birds like the little grebe, shovelers, spoonbills, and great egret are also coming back to breed and search for food.
