An extremely diverse area in the Striemerbeek valley, with heathland, marshes, oligotrophic and mesotrophic ponds, wet woodlands and inland dunes.
Key biodiversity
The IBA is a breeding site for reedbed species.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
561 ha of IBA covered by proposed Site of Community Importance (De Maten, 561 ha).
Protected areas
National Partial International High213 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (De Maten, 213 ha). 600 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (De Maten, 600 ha).
