Background The Salantai regional park, situated in north-western Lithuania, features a tundra-like landscape typical of this region. Since ancient times, the surrounding villages used the area as common pasture land that was intensively grazed. However, the traditional management of the site has discontinued (no grazing livestock), and as a result, its rich biodiversity is being degraded by overgrowth from trees and bushes. The Kurtuvenu national park provides management of the areas along both sides of the river Dubysa. The river valley contains natural grasslands (and swamps), which are formed by the influence of geomorphologic, hydrographical and historical conditions. The Dubysa is fed with snow melt and rain water. River flow is characterised by very high variability: during the spring thaw, it increases several times (compared with midsummer levels). Flooding benefits the condition of the (alluvial) grassland habitat. However, on the upper Dubysa, conversion (Bubiai pond construction) river flow and spring flooding has decreased. The river grasslands and river valleys located at Bazilionai were grazed in ancient times, and mowed in some areas (where there is a smoother texture and enough dry grassland). The ageing of the local population has led to the gradual disappearance of traditional farming practices, including grazing. As a result, the once natural open grasslands have become overgrown with trees and bushes. Objectives The project’s main aim is to restore and conserve the valuable juniper, heath and grassland habitats of the Salantas and Kurtuvenu national parks, including the Vijurku meadows (Dubysa river valley). Specific goals are: To restore and maintain open scrublands, meadows and grassland habitats with their characteristic structure and species composition; To establish conditions for grazing and the removal of low value shrubs and trees; To provide follow-up care to ensure the good condition of the habitats; and To facilitate access to the project`s Natura 2000 sites.Expected results: The restoration and maintenance in good condition of 110 ha of habitats of European importance, including the priority for conservation grassland habitats -Species-rich Nardus grasslands (2 ha) and Xeric and calcareous grasslands (0.3 ha); Co-operation between the state parks will be improved with education and information activities extended to local communities (the park authorities will conduct environmental education, prepare and construct information stands, a viewing tower and a nature trail); and Various dissemination materials will also be produced, including: four newsletters, four seminars, meetings, presentations of project activities and an educational programme on the natural grassland vegetation and its conservation. In total, an estimated 10 000 people will be informed about the Natura 2000 ecological network and the Life + project.