The meadows have been used for grazing and haymaking since the Middle Ages. Efforts are being made to increase grazing where this would be advantageous from a conservation viewpoint. Hunting is prohibited and access is seasonally restricted. Ramsar site no. 18. sten. A nutrient-rich, freshwater lake supporting a rich submerged flora and fringed by reedbeds giving way to grassland.
Waders occur as passage birds, and various species of waterbirds breed at the site.
Some livestock grazing occurs and must be maintained to preserve the meadow flora. A flat tongue of land supporting grasslands, grading into sand and shingle beaches, sandbanks and small bays. The site's extensive pastures were probably used for haymaking since the Iron Age. Various species of breeding and molting waterbirds and large numbers of staging waterbirds use the site. The meadows are maintained by grazing livestock.