Background Dry grasslands are among the most species-rich habitats, home to rare and endangered species of orchid, bird, and butterfly. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most endangered habitat types in Europe, having been pushed back to isolated residual areas as a result of considerable loss of surface and the abandonment of cultivation. The warm slopes of river valleys of Rheinland-Pfalz provide a home to orchids, xeric sand calcareous grasslands, karstic calcareous grasslands, and species-rich nardus grasslands. However, when essential maintenance is not carried out, shrub invasion threatens the richness and biodiversity of such biotopes. Afforestation and orchard planting can also impact negatively. Similarly, the many visitors to the areas – for walking, rock-climbing and mountain-biking - often behave inappropriately due to their ignorance of the true value of the sites. Two north-western sub-sites of the project are in the limestone part of the Eifel ranges and constitute the western boundary for the sub-Atlantic climate zone. Up to 22 species of orchid can be found here. The two other sub-sites are in the eastern part of the Rheinland-Pfalz, including the western outpost of continental Pannonic feather grass steppes and the largest and most coherent calcareous sand drift area in Germany, on whose dunes the Annex II priority plant species Jurinea cyanoides can be found. Objectives The project aimed to incorporate additional dry grasslands into the European Natura 2000 network by restoring their favourable conservation status and provide long-run protection of calcareous grasslands, juniper heathlands, steppe grasslands and other xeric grasslands habitats on a total of 355 ha in four project areas. Over a four-year period, the project planned to safeguard valuable grasslands habitat structures by purchasing the land and then carrying out development and management activities on the basis of new management plans. Depending on the cultivation history of each area, this could involve clearance, maintenance care with mechanical treatment or through grazing and the establishment of a droving pasturage system. Activities would be planned and implemented in close cooperation with local shepherds and farmers to ensure a high level of local acceptance and to increase the chances of success. The work would also be supported by extensive public relations work to involve the public and careful management of the recreational use of the sites. These actions would bring important benefits to biodiversity and give visitors the opportunity to experience the sites’ natural beauty in a more sustainable way. Visitor guidance would be provided through rangers, brochures, information boards, circuits and excursions. Results The project managed to carry out its activities to restore xeric grasslands. It was able to purchase 26.47 ha of land, carry out non-recurring management of 76.16 ha and recurring management of 141.7 ha. This meant the project covered an even greater area of land than anticipated. The project was based on successful cooperation with local stakeholders, experts and volunteers. It demonstrated the importance of partnership and cooperation in overcoming initial opposition to the designation of NATURA 2000 sites for fear of falling land prices and land-use restrictions. It also showed innovation in cooperating with the German military for the clearance and burning of trees. The project successfully implemented the restoration and improvement of 76 ha of grassland habitats. These lands were initially cleared of trees and shrubs to create suitable preconditions for long-term grazing with sheep and goats, resulting in considerable increases in population size of butterfly species, such as Iphiclides podalirius and Maculinea arion. Some orchid species have appeared for the first time demonstrating how quickly the vegetation and fauna react to improvements of the dry grassland. To increase the efficiency and attractiveness of grazing schemes, efforts were made in the Nahe region to clear areas that promoted the interconnectivity of sites. This facilitated the feasibility of grazing contracts for shepherds and farmers and made long-term grazing more sustainable. This was a good example of combining the interests of traditional land users – by providing service contracts for the continual management of valuable grasslands - with ecological objectives. To ensure the long-term effects of the project’s work, the authorities responsible for the sites have subcontracted management control to local experts for several years. The project was also presented at workshops and local fairs to promote the long-term objectives of the project to local stakeholders and the public. Local tourism is likely to benefit from the measures undertaken and information brochures were distributed locally. At the same time, volunteer organisations have taken on responsibility for keeping visitors on footpaths and dogs under control.