Buurserzand is a varied open heathland area with well-developed communities of wet and moist heathland vegetation and dry heathland vegetation, drifting sands, juniper thickets, fens and drier oak birch woodlands.

Due to its size and wet character, Buurserzand is unique in Europe. Natuurmonumenten attaches great value to this area. It is the first nature reserve the association acquired in Overijssel in 1929.