Background The Parmesan lowlands are home to several bird species of EU interest, particularly the red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). The birds are there because the lowlands have a rural landscape that, in comparison to the rest of the river Po plain, retains specific wildlife features partly because of the more traditional agricultural production carried out in the region. The lowlands, however, still face specific threats from intensive agriculture, road development, urban expansion and other human activities. The running of the artificial water management network is not consistent with conservation objectives. Indeed there is a general lack of knowledge regarding the habitats and target species by local authorities and businesses. Nesting sites of the falcon and the kestrel are particularly vulnerable. This project covered six Natura 2000 sites in the Parmesan lowlands. These sites were included because of similar geographic, socio-economic, management and wildlife aspects. Objectives The primary objective of the project was to improve the conservation status of the target species: the red-footed falcon, lesser kestrel, red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) and lesser grey shrike (Lanius minor). A secondary objective was to improve the conservation status of present heron (Ardeidae) and common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) populations. In addition, specific interventions were foreseen for other species of EU interest or species that had recently become extinct in the six project sites, such as the four leaf clover (Marsilea quadrifolia) and summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum). The project foresaw the implementation of an Ecological Network covering the Parma lowlands for species of EU interest. The expected end result was to increase the habitats available for use by the target species and other species of conservation interest. The results of the project were to be disseminated effectively to stakeholders to encourage them to become active partners in the maintenance of the species and their habitats. Results The Pianura parmense project improved the conservation status of six SCIs located very close to Parma city (northern Italy). All foreseen actions were performed and relevant results were achieved despite a number of difficulties that were encountered during implementation. Land purchases, in particular, caused many delays but they were eventually concluded with the purchase and restoration of about 12 ha of land instead of the 7.6 ha that was originally planned. The conservation status of red-footed falcon was improved with much better results than those foreseen: in the last project year this migratory bird occupied 60% of the artificial nests that were installed (foreseen 5%) and an increase in its presence in the project area observed. The breeding couples of lesser kestrel also increased during project implementation though, as expected, only one artificial nest was used by this species. One great project result was the creation of an Ecological Network (extended from the 80 000 ha that was originally planned to 112 524 ha for the same amount of money). This was done by means of an innovative method discussed with stakeholders and it was successfully included in the Provincial Territorial Plan of Coordination, an action that was necessary for its actual implementation. This should guarantee the long-term sustainability of the project’s actions. Specific Local Action Plans were also produced and their indications were included in the approved Conservation Measures for the SCIs. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).