Background The project focused on the western branch of the Ijzer estuary in Flanders that was damned in the 14th century creating an area of land known as Ter Yde and a polder (a low-lying tract of land that adjoins an artificial water form that is enclosed by dikes). It also created a stream, the Beek zonder Naam (nameless brook), which flows through a hollow in the dune area – a rare phenomenon in Europe. The hollow was made into woodland (Hannecartbos) and the remaining dunes have been built on since the beginning of the 20th century to meet the increasing demands of the local tourism sector. The emergence of tourism in the area has resulted in a decline in the use of the dunes for grazing. The previously species-rich grasslands deteriorated with the invasion of sea buckthorn and the development of grass steppes. A sewage treatment plant was also built on the edge of the area though it hasn’t been in operation for a long time. Objectives The project aimed to prevent further loss of dune areas. In 1993 the Flemish government introduced legislation to protect the dunes, making preservation initiatives possible. A first LIFE project in the Ijzer estuary began in 1996, and the FEYDRA project was intended to continue the work. In order to restore this dune area (the grey dune is a priority habitat), it was necessary to establish the right conditions – that is, factors such as wind, water and the presence of herbivores. The most important measures of the LIFE project were the damming and clearing of the Beek zonder Naam and the cutting down some 6ha of woodland in the immediate vicinity of the stream. The disused sewage plant was also to be dismantled and some 4ha of scrub cleared. These activities would make it possible to resume management and restoration of the grassland. The environmental conditions of the Westhoek dunes are responsible for the great diversity of dune habitats. As a result, the project focused on networking activities (a European conference was planned) and raising awareness among the local authorities and the many tourists who regularly stay in the region, building on the preparatory work of an earlier INTERREG project. At the end of the project the following results were expected: - Fossil lime-rich shore restored on 5ha; - Favourable conditions for grey dunes restored over a 260ha area; - Calcareous marsh vegetation restored on 10ha of a primary dune slack; - Restoration and long-term management of wet dune slacks and grey dunes; and - Dissemination of the results and expertise. Results FEYDRA restored wet grasslands and open dune vegetation on former forest areas and buildings. It also created effective large-scale management of the water level and developed lines of communication with public and semi-public authorities to ensure the long-term protection of the Natura 2000 sites. The region has the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable future. An After-Life communication plan will address the problem of fragmentation of the habitats as well as further restoration actions and management. The project also increased knowledge of the dunes through scientific monitoring, which will continue till 2008 and will provide a good basis for evaluating the project. The monitoring is very ambitious and provides a good model for other projects. Through communication of results and awareness-raising initiatives, the project has generated interest for wider public access to the protected sites.