Background The populations of several Birds Directive priority species have strongly declined in the Netherlands and north-western Europe in recent decades. This unfavourable trend applies to the Natura 2000 network sites of Zwarte Meer and Veluwerandmeren, both in the IJsseldelta region. At present these sites host many Dutch populations of targeted Birds Directive species, including the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) and bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Based on both local and national trends it is clear that without additional measures, the Natura 2000 goal for the number of breeding pairs of great reed warbler will not be reached at Zwarte Meer and Veluwerandmeren. The main reason for this is an insufficient area of suitable breeding habitat in both Natura 2000 sites. Objectives The key objective of the A better LIFE for Bittern project is to improve and enlarge the area of reed beds in two Natura 2000 sites in the Dutch IJsseldelta: Zwarte Meer and Veluwerandmeren. The ultimate aim is to increase the population of bittern and great reed warbler by creating optimal biotopes. In addition to these two main target species, project actions will also focus on another four species listed in the Birds Directive: purple heron (Ardea purpurea), spotted crake (Porzana porzana), Savi's warbler (Locustella luscinoides) and sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), along with several other bird species associated with reed beds. Finally, the protected fish species, European weather loach (Misgurnus fossilis) and spined loach (Cobitis taenia), will also benefit from project measures. Expected results: Restoration of reed beds at Zwarte Meer, resulting in biotope improvement for bittern, great reed warbler and other bird species over around 300 ha; Significant increases in the populations of target species at Zwarte Meer, namely bittern (seven breeding pairs), great reed warbler (40 pairs), Savi’s warbler (60 pairs) and sedge warbler (at least 165 pairs), with half of this expected to be achieved within the project period; An area of 34.7 ha Veluwerandmeren with new reed beds for the target bird species; and New reed beds that create a completely new habitat for reed bed birds, with expected colonisation by one or two breeding pairs of bittern and around 10 pairs of great reed warbler occurring by the end of the project period.