Background The lowland brook system of ‘Abeek’, situated in the Flemish Campine region, is an important natural area in Western Europe. The most important habitats found here include: sand dune and dune-heath vegetation on land dunes, dry heath land vegetation, transition mires, quaking bogs, Molinia caerulea meadows, species rich Nardus-grasslands, oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters, old oak forests, forests on extremely wet soils and an epiphyte flora. Several species listed in the Habitats Directive live in these habitats, such as Luscinia svecica, Alcedo atthis, Botaurus stellaris, Lxobrychus minutus, Porzana porzana, Lanius collurio, Lullula arborea, and Pelobates fuscus. The project area has been designated as an SAC by the government, but several habitats are under severe pressure and some species are on the verge of extinction because of habitat fragmentation, inadequate management, afforestation, intensive farming, unnatural hydrology, eutrophication and a lack of socio-economic support for the area. Objectives The aim of the LIFE Abeek project is the large-scale restoration of the habitats in the Abeek valley. Specifically, this includes the restoration of the complex ground and of semi-dry, poor sandy soil habitats, with an emphasis on Nanocypertalia fen vegetations and Magnetopotamion. It also aims to increase the breeding population of several birds listed in the Habitats Directive. The project will also seek to develop the socio-economic potential of the area through the organisation of nature-oriented recreation, the integration of volunteers in nature management and the provision of information to local people and visitors. Expected results: The large-scale restoration and sustainable development of Annex I habitats in the project area. After the LIFE project, the valley of the Abeek will be one of the core areas in lowland Europe for several Annex I habitats, especially for quaking bogs, transition mires with small sedge communities, alluvial forests (Saliceto-Franguletum and Carici elongatae-Alnetum), Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands, psammofillous heath lands with Calluna and Genista species, old oak forests, dry heath lands and Nanocypertalia fen vegetations; Conservation and increase in the population of Luscinia svecica; Better visitor facilities and more information (brochures, leaflets, flyers) about the area and a better socio-economic support for the Natura 2000 area; An increase in the number of visitors to the nature reserve.