Background The project targeted the conservation of forests and mires in 13 Natura 2000 sites in Koillismaa and Kainuu in eastern Finland. The sites form part of the regional “green belt” – an extensive network of forests, mires and fells in Finland, Russia and Norway. The close proximity of these sites to the Russian border is particularly important as they can provide a vital stepping stone, allowing species and habitats that are still abundant in Russia to recolonise areas in Finland, once their habitats have been restored to a favourable condition. In this respect, the project aimed to complement the work already started by a number of other Finnish LIFE Nature projects on boreal forests and aapa mires. Objectives Forests were to be restored by enhancing the development of natural features and processes. This would involve periodic controlled burnings, simulations of storm damage or other controlled damage to increase the amount of decaying wood etc. Mires were to be restored by blocking ditches and removing trees in order to increase their water retention. For each site, a detailed restoration plan would be drawn up in order to best orientate the restoration work. In total it was expected that 601 ha of forests, of which 123 ha restored by controlled burning in 11 sites and 362 ha of mires in 6 sites would be restored. Three forest roads were also to be reforested (total length 4 km) and two gravel pits restored (2 ha). Finally, the project planned to construct four eyries for the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which is protected in Europe under Annex 1 of the Birds Directive. Guidance to promote sustainable utilisation would also be provided by for example, brochures, photographic exhibitions and a DVD-film. A nature trail and signposts would also be established. People’s awareness of Natura 2000 areas, restoration methods and natural habitats would also be promoted. The project aimed to encourage active exchange of information between different countries (especially Finland and Russia) and organisations on the restoration and sustainable use of these habitats. Results Restoration plans were drawn up for all the 13 project sites, covering some 1 100 ha of boreal forests and mires. The plans were almost fully implemented during the project period. Boreal forests: The project restored 578 ha of boreal forests (mainly former commercial forests): 85 ha by controlled burning and 492.6 ha by increasing decaying wood and the variability of the forests (e.g. creating small opening to boost the growth of deciduous trees in forests dominated by conifers). Notably, fire-dependent insects invaded the burned areas very rapidly and several rare and threatened species were found. Aapa mires and bog woodlands: The project restored 390 ha of aapa mires and bog woodlands by filling and blocking ditches and by clearing excess trees. Innovative methods were used (recreating ‘flarks’, peat banks and former streams). Other restoration works: Almost 4 km of former forest roads were afforested and 2 ha of former gravel pit were restored (landscaping.) Golden eagle: As planned, four artificial eyries were constructed for golden eagle, although as yet, no nesting has been detected. Dissemination: Active media work has included the production of high quality publicity and information material (e.g. a DVD and education material on forest and mire restoration). Three photographic exhibitions were also organised over the course of the project. These explored themes such as the social impacts of restoration, meadow plants and species benefiting on restoration of mires and forests. In addition, the project constructed a 6.7 km nature trail to Lentua (located 10 km from Kuhmo. This is already attracting over 1 000 visitors/year. On a wider (international) level, the project organised an international seminar, “Fire and Forest” in Kajaani in November 2007. This event featured presentations by forest fire specialists from Nordic countries and Russia and produced a seminar publication published in February 2008. Finally, the project team worked in close co-operation with Russian colleagues from Kalevala National Park. Demonstration value: In general, the restoration plans made in the project were very good and can therefore be used as best practice examples. Of particular benefit were the special instructions prepared for the staff responsible for carrying out the plans in the field. These guidelines helped to ensure the restoration actions were implemented as foreseen. Several innovative methods, which were already included in the restoration plans, were tested in several sites. These methods included testing different ways of ring barking e.g. with respect to the width of the peeling and testing the effects of ring barking the roots. Concerning the preparation of the mire restoration plans, the original water flow directions and levels were carefully studied. This was also reflected in the restoration actions, which included recreating flarks, peat banks and streams in Hyöteikönsuo. The results were successful as the water level has increased as expected and also the water has found the former streams. This is an innovative restoration method of mires in Finland and it can be used also in other mire restoration projects. After-LIFE: Project partner Metla has carried out also several monitoring actions using national funding - concentrating on the restoration of mires (e.g. effects on climate change), cost-efficiency of restoration actions and various methods for the afforestation of old forest roads. These monitoring actions are designed as scientific studies and the results will be published in scientific journals. As a direct result of the LIFE “Green Belt” project, Metla established a special working group for studies related to the monitoring of the restoration of forests and mires in northern Finland. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).