The Loenderveense Plassen is part of the Natura 2000 site "Oostelijke Vechtplassen". This is a lowland peat wetland where lakes and shallows are the result of peat mining. Nowadays most parts of the area is intensively used by recreation (e.g. sailing). The Loenderveense Plassen is managed by "Waternet" and holds a large drinking water reservoir. The surroundings of this reservoir are managed for nature and prohibited for sailing and intensive recreation. The Purple Heron colony is situated in a quiet part of the wetland. A bird hide provides tourists views on the area. The area is managed especially for marsh birds by Waternet. It is a stronghold for many rare marsh bird species in the Oostelijke Vechtplassen such as Black Tern, Great Reed Warbler, Savi's Warbler and Bluethroat. During the northern winter, more than 15,000 Wigeon rest on the lake, in an area where boating is prohibited.