Background Large areas of West and East Flanders were covered with the Bulskampveld, Maldegemveld and other open landscapes of mixed heathlands, nutrient-poor grasslands, forests and ponds until the mid-19th century, at which point the land was cleared for agriculture. Some of the land later naturally developed into valuable oak and birch forests but a large part was planted with conifers. Small remnants of heath and Nardus grassland can now only be found along forest lanes in non-developed areas but most of these areas are not protected or properly managed. Other problems include the decreasing viability of the seed bank (after years in the ground, under trees or in agricultural fields); isolation and fragmentation of habitats; eutrophication; intensification of land use (agriculture and plantations of mainly larch and pine); artificial hydrology and invasion by exotic plant species. Objectives The Vlaams veldgebied project's aim was to restore, develop, expand and preserve the intermediate Atlantic type of the following Annex I habitats in the project area: Atlantic wet heath; European dry heaths and the priority habitat species-rich Nardus grasslands; Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands; psammophilous heathlands with Calluna and Genista species; and fresh standing water habitats (Nanocyperetalia). In addition the team hoped to restore and connect a mosaic of these unique heathland habitats in combination with several woodland habitats (Atlantic acidophilous beech-oak forests, old acidophilous oak woods on sandy plains and locally Alnion glutinosa-incanae). Another objective was to increase the quality of woodland habitats by introducing sustainable (grazing) and mechanical management involving local volunteers. To achieve these aims, the project aimed to buy 40 ha of land and implement large-scale restoration measures in around 200 ha. Measures included were: The removal of branchwood and sod-cutting to remove the nutrient-rich top soil and restore of the original soil profile of former agricultural land (12ha); The removal of soil for pond restoration; Eradication of alien invasive species (65 ha); In addition, the project team wanted to erect fences and equipment acquired to restore and manage the area.The large-scale restoration of these Annex I habitats in the project area is expected to lead to an increase in populations of several bird species, such as Lullula arborea and Caprimulgus europaeus. The socio-economic aims were related to nature-oriented recreation, the integration of volunteers in nature management, informing local people and visitors and creating new partnerships as examples of good practice. Results The project was able to buy a significant amount of land and restore it. In addition, management plans were drafted and the area was designated. Necessary equipment was installed for recurrent management by volunteers but maintaining long term sustainability in the area will be difficult. In general, the condition of the heathland that required urgent attention was improved dramatically. This was achieved mainly because of the good cooperation that took place between many different actors. Further, purchase and restoration targets were surpassed in all action areas (large scale heath restoration, transforming former agricultural land, creating mosaic habitats, restoration of pond habitats and Invasive Alien Species removal) which led to a considerable improvement in the conservation status of the Natura 2000 sites. 42.5 ha of land was purchased and the target of restoring 200 ha of habitat surpassed; 36 ha of heath restoration was implemented instead of the foreseen 25 ha; On nearly 13 ha of former agricultural land topsoil was removed and grazing/mowing management implemented; 60 ha (the original aim was 45 ha) were transformed into a mosaic of heath and wood habitats; 20 small and seven large ponds (originally nine small and seven large ponds) were restored; and The removal of invasive species was implemented well.In this highly populated area with its high agricultural pressure this LIFE nature project was a notable challenge. Many people (local volunteers, local farmers, residents) were involved due to a huge effort by the coordinating beneficiary to organise a number of information events and information folders to involve the local population as much as possible. In addition, the beneficiary created hiking routes in the area and made it an enjoyable nature area. Due to these efforts the awareness of the public did rise and collaboration with farmers was possible. A partnership with local volunteers was set up to ensure the continuous management of the area (including monitoring) after the project ends together with the coordinating beneficiary. In addition, grazing management will be continued by the beneficiaries own cattle and sometimes in collaboration with local farmers. Unfortunately fragmentation of the landscape, ignorance, drainage and eutrophication remain major threats to the area. The implementation of buffer zones around agricultural areas has been suggested. An additional plan for the future is to maximise the surface of the target habitats and create sufficient corridors and small intermediate areas that can be recolonised out of the core areas. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).