Background On either side of the Austrian-German border, the river Danube meanders picturesquely through rocky ranges with steep, wooded slopes. The views from the river are constantly changing from one interesting perspective to another within this deep winding gorge. The forests on the slopes have remained untouched for a long time, mainly due to their steepness and inaccessibility. Consequently, they contain a wide variety of species, especially lime trees and maple, but also ash-alder and ash woodlands on the lower levels. Trees of all ages can be found, and, as a result, the area hosts animals specialised in old woodlands like the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus). Modern technology has brought new advantages to the forestry industry, making areas hitherto inaccessible for machines and dangerous for foresters to work in, attainable and financially favourable for timber exploitation. The trees on the Danube slopes are potentially of great value for the timber industry. Objectives To prevent their exploitation, the “Alluvial and slope forests of the Upper Danube Valley” project aimed to protect 440 ha of mature forests through either land purchase or by making special compensation agreements with the landowners in exchange for a cessation in timber production. In addition, many individual trees outside the core areas would be safeguarded against felling, so that they can continue to host birds and insects in the future. As the forests are sometimes invaded by non-native spruce trees, as a result of previous forestry practices, clear-cutting of spruce followed by replanting with appropriate native species was planned. Traditional, low-key forestry practices would be reintroduced and new sylvi-environmental schemes tested. Flanking actions were foreseen to improve the breeding situation for stag beetles by providing more dead wood. Actions around forest margins were planned to restore natural forest boundaries, convert intensive grassland to hay meadow and dig new ponds to host Annex II-listed amphibians. Information and awareness-raising measures aimed at locals and the many visitors to this area – such as excursions, a mobile exhibition, panels and a folder – were also planned. Results The project purchased around 170 ha of semi-natural forest areas, which can now become natural forests. An additional 260 ha will be protected from forestry utilisation for the next 150 years. Together with already-existing nature conservation and natural forest areas, these form the ecological heart of the Upper Danube Valley. Some contracts with landowners foresee the removal of allochtonous trees after the project end. In addition to the area management measures, 224 distinctive old trees were also purchased. Increasing prices for timber did not hamper the project's success. Some contracts with landowners foresee the removal of allochtonous trees after the project end. In addition to the area management measures, 224 distinctive old trees were also purchased. Increasing prices for timber did not hamper the project's success. Natural forest is an important habitat for many endangered animal and plant species, such as the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) and the black stork (Ciconia nigra), which are of European importance. Moreover, the creation of artificial stag beetle habitats might be interesting for other projects dealing with the conservation of this species. Finally, 22 pond series were created and now provide suitable habitats for many amphibian species. Among others the target species yellow-bellied toad and great crested newt could be found in these ponds. Some of the forests protected have not been utilised for forestry purposes for a long time. Nowadays, such forests are found only very rarely in Central Europe and deserve our protection. Various public relation activities were organised including press trips by boat, excursions for locals and stakeholders, and an informative travelling exhibition on the project and its objectives. Similarly, a visitor path aims to inform visitors about natural habitat types and species found in the project area. The project website features webcams, folders for downloading and games for kids. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).