Background Nardus grasslands often rely on extensive land use techniques such as grazing and mowing. They mainly occur in landscapes with silicate parent rock and until 50 years ago were numerous and widespread in Central Europe. However, as a result of intensification trends in agriculture and wider coverage of forestry, over 90% of Europe’s Nardus grasslands have been lost. Today this habitat is limited to a relatively small number of residual areas. They are among the most endangered habitat types in Europe and, under the Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) they are one of the priority habitats for which special protected areas and protective measures are provided. Objectives This project aimed to restore the conservation status of species-rich Nardus grasslands in Germany Belgium and Luxembourg. Over 30 different sites were identified for restoration support from the LIFE project. Cooperation between nature conservation stakeholders in the different countries was considered vital to ensure the project’s ability to meet its objectives. Results The project achieved its objectives. It successfully improved the conservation status of species-rich sub-mountainous Nardus grasslands in the three target countries and also improved the connectivity of these priority habitats in the countries’ border areas. Long-term management schemes were designed to help safeguard the Nardus grassland sites. Public relations actions carried out by the project were considered to be good practice and effective in raising awareness about the habitat’s management requirements. Innovation was introduced in the form of a geo-caching trail. Tangible results included: habitat management plans for 34 project sites; 78 ha of land purchased and leased; 159 ha of intrusive bushes and shrubs removed; 126 ha of land previously covered by thick grass layers were mulched to facilitate rehabilitation of Nardus species; 30 km of fencing was installed to control and manage livestock grazing on the project sites; hay seeds were sown over 70 ha; multi-lingual project web-site (EN, DE, FR) was created; a portfolio of multi-lingual and different publicity material was published; a large international workshop was organised; several nature trails were created; and a number of guided excursions took place. Sustainability of the project is dependent on securing funding to help ensure that the extensive land management techniques remain economically viable. Such funds may be available from agri-environment schemes. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).