Natural recreation
In the Smalbroek, nature is allowed to take its course; a few koniks graze there part of the year. The banks of the Zuidplas have been leased to a farmer. The water, an important wintering area for water birds, is a busy recreational area in summer. The Maasplassen are great to explore by bicycle. The Smalbroek itself is completely unrestricted. Because of the free roaming of koniks, dogs are not allowed in the area. The Zuidplas is intensively used for water recreation; moorings are available.
Flora and Fauna
True riverbank plants such as cattail, wild bertram and bank chickweed grow in thickets on the banks of the lake. The floral wealth of the Smalbroek attracts many insect species. Especially a variety of thistles and umbelliferous plants often attract large numbers of butterflies and other insects that come to collect nectar and pollen on their flowers. Birds of rough vegetation such as the wood warbler and the warbler have found a nesting place in the Narrows.
In winter, the Maasplassen have a special function as a wintering area for many water birds. Large groups of tufted ducks and table ducks regularly stay at the Smalbroek and the Zuidplas. Cormorants look for food there; not so much for (as their name implies) eels, but mainly for carp like the roach. Grebes have a preference for the large waters of the Zuidplas; during the winter months, dozens of them stay there and already show the first signs of spring during good weather in February: they pair up to perform their striking futon dance.