The Netherlands have a unique natural feature: the dunes. The dunes only cover 1% of the total surface area of the Netherlands. Nevertheless this area is home to almost half the plants in the country, some 850 species. 140 of the 190 species of bird in the Netherlands nest there. Flora and fauna do so well in the dunes because the landscape is very diverse. Almost everything is present: hills and valleys, sun and shadow, dry and wet ground, wind and shelter.

Europe

The dunes are important to the Netherlands' nature and to that of Europe. Ten percent of Europe's dunes are located in the Netherlands. Staatsbosbeheer manages a third of these; 15,000 hectares up and down the coast from the Wadden Islands to the Province of Zeeland. Far-reaching changes during the 20th century have put pressure on this unique habitat. 

LIFE Dune restoration

With the LIFE Dune restoration project, Staatsbosbeheer and many partners, are working closely together on the restoration of the coastal dunes. Between 2005 and 2010, 4.700 hectares will be dealt with, and the project will set an example for future coastal projects throughout Europe.