Background The “Deurnsche Peel” and “Mariapeel” are Natura 2000 sites in the south-east of the Netherlands. Both areas are of great importance, because they contribute to the ecological variation within the EU priority habitat type, active raised bogs. Additionally, they are part of lens bogs, a landscape type that is an exceptional feature in the Western European plains. These elements contribute considerably to the conservation of the relevant habitat types at a European network level. The habitat types of active raised bogs and regenerative raised bogs are currently threatened by eutrophication, dehydration, loss of habitat and invasion by an exotic plant species. Objectives The project’s main objectives are to restore, conserve and improve the ecological functioning of the valuable Habitats Directive (Annex I) bog habitat types of the “Deurnsche Peel” and “Mariapeel” Natura 2000 sites; and to halt the loss of biodiversity by increasing the natural quality and diversity of wildlife over a surface of more than 2 400 ha. Specific measures include: Converting former agricultural land into a nature reserve; Hydrological actions to avoid dehydration of the area and the influx of nutrient-rich water; Restoration of heaths; and Removal of the invasive exotic plant species, blueberry cultivar. The sites are also of great importance as a resting and foraging area for wintering birds and birds in transit, e.g. the tundra bean goose (Anser serrirostris ), the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) and the common crane (Grus grus). It is also home to several breeding birds listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, including the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), the bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) and the stonechat (Saxicola rubicola). These will all benefit indirectly from the habitat restoration. Expected results The project will achieve the following quantifiable results: An improvement in the ecological quality of 2 400 ha in the two Natura 2000 sites by eliminating nutrients from the former agricultural enclave and by securing a stable water level. As a result the current “unfavourable” state of conservation will greatly improve; and Removal of the threats of eutrophication and hydration of the active raised bogs and regenerative raised bogs to create the necessary conditions for expansion of the regenerative raised bogs by 70 ha. Long-term effects will include: An additional 176 ha of active raised bogs, and an improvement in the quality of an existing 1 ha of this priority habitat type; An additional 70 ha of regenerative raised bogs, as well as an improvement in the quality of 1 270 ha of this habitat type; Stable populations of silver-studded blue (Plebeius argus) and smooth snake (Coronella austriaca); and An improvement in the quality of 250 ha where active raised bogs and regenerative raised bogs are present.