Background A range of peat bog habitat types in two Natura 2000 network sites in the Lubelskie and Podkarpackie provinces of eastern Poland – Lasy Janowskie and Uroczyska Lasów Janowskich – require protection under the Habitats Directive. These habitats and the species they contain are under threat as a result of the expansion of invasive trees and shrubs, leading to a loss of biodiversity and the drainage of the land. Objectives The main objective of the LIFE for Janowskie Forest project is to provide comprehensive protection for the most valuable peat bog patches in a range of habitat types (e.g. active raised bogs and transition mires, quaking bogs, and depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion) in the Natura 2000 sites, Lasy Janowskie and Uroczyska Lasów Janowskich. The project aims to halt the loss of biodiversity in these habitats as well as to raise and maintain groundwater levels in several habitats, such as bog woodlands where patches are at risk of dewatering and drying as a result of drainage ditches constructed in recent decades. Measures will be taken to preserve the habitats of animals and plants threatened with extinction, including capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens), northern crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina). The project also aims to promote conservation methods in commercial forestry operations, foster community support for the idea of environmental protection, develop sustainable tourism in Natura 2000 sites and resolve human conflict with beaver (Castor fiber) conservation. Expected results: The conservation status of peatland habitats improved on 94 ha (104 patches), including the maintenance of species closely related to peat bogs such as Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera intermedia and Colias palaeno; The outflow of water from peat bogs and the process of peat decay on an area of about 150 ha stopped or significantly reduced by the construction of 33 sluice gates; The population decline of Tetrao urogallus in the Janowskie Forests by protecting wetlands; Purchase of 30 ha of land will reduce conflicts caused by beavers; Two water reservoirs successfully restored to maintain habitats for species associated with aquatic ecosystems; and About 800 people participated in meetings and training activities to raise public awareness about nature conservation.