Dominant processes are sand drifting, erosion and sedimentation along the coasts, characteristic for a tidal landscape.

During the 20th century tourism and recreation became more important and part of the island was designated as nature reserve.

At present, we find dunes, forests, polders, tidal flats, marshes and beaches on the island, as well as a small lake and a village.

On the marshes and tidal flats thousands of birds occur, such as common redshank, barnacle goose, spoonbill, hen harrier, oystercatcher, red knot, bar-tailed godwit, curlew and European herring gull.

Natuurmonumenten is responsible for the management of the national park and Rijkswaterstaat for coastal protection.