The present landscape of National Park Weerribben - Wieden originated from the extraction of peat. Now it is a significant region because of the various stages in the natural development from open water to carr woodland. The region has a wide diversity of environments varying from open water, reed land, hayfields and carr woodland. Each environment has its own specific type of vegetation: a suitable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife: mammals, birds and insects. Water is the dominant element in the reserve.

All prevailing plant communities and associated wildlife are related to the abundant presence of water.