Small Islands
'De Petten' consists of brackish waters and artificially protected islands. The water in this nature area is brackish because the salt water adjoining 'De Petten' mixes with the fresh rainwater. Every four years, mussels are strewn on the small islands to prevent them from crumbling in the water. Annually in winter the grown plants are removed from the ground. This makes the dry parts of 'De Petten' an ideal and sought-after breeding ground for the different bird species. But birds that are just passing through like to land at De Petten to take a break. The nature area also serves as a haven for birds when the sea level is very high.
fishing
'De Petten' is separated from the nature areas 'De Mok' and 'De Mokbaai' by a sea dike, where birds can fish to their heart's content for their offspring. The approach and departure of the birds over the dyke is a special sight. Many shelducks, ringed plovers, greylag geese, black-headed gulls, avocets, terns and common terns are observed in this area during the breeding season. 'De Petten' is not accessible to visitors, but can be seen from the public path or from the dyke - with or without binoculars.
'Natural Monuments'
'De Petten' is managed by 'Natuurmonumenten'. This association is a landscape conservation organization. That is, it protects nature by taking care of areas. 'Natuurmonumenten' also preserves the natural treasures and thereby awakens more interest in nature in society.