Background Wet and dry heath vegetation, bogs, mires and lowland river systems covered much of the Campine region in Belgium until the early 20th Century when industrialisation, urbanisation and intensification of agricultural practices largely destroyed this natural landscape mosaic. The valley of the Grote Nete is one of the most representative remnants of the landscape. The valley holds 11 remarkable habitat types, including sand dune and dune-heath vegetations, dry heath, species-rich grasslands, aquatic plant communities and forests on wet soils. Some rare species are also present. For example, the river system is home to more than 15% of the Flemish population of brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) and spined loach (Cobitis taenia), two fish species in decline at European level. Natuurpunt and the Flemish Region have established several strictly protected areas in the valley but afforestation, eutrophication, habitat fragmentation, intensification of agriculture, and disturbances of the natural hydrology continue to adversely affect the fragile habitat types. Objectives The aim of the project was to restore a landscape mosaic with heathlands, dune habitats, wetlands and grasslands on 1850 ha in the valley of the Grote Nete. An integrated management plan for the site would be prepared and actions implemented to ensure permanent conservation of the habitats. A long-term partnership was planned with the province of Antwerp to preserve and enlarge the populations of brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) and spined loach (Cobitis taenia). Restoration was primarily to be undertaken by means of clearing trees, re-naturalising river courses and landscape hydrology, eradication of invasive water plants and improving spawning possibilities for fish in the river system. Results A total of 32 ha of poplar plantations were felled or will die standing to make room for alluvial forest. Additionally, 42 ha of former agricultural land will spontaneously evolve towards forest, as a result of measures taken by the project. The project also introduced good grazing management, which will help develop a full gradient of open and heavily grazed as well as closed and almost non-grazed forests with a rich undergrowth of plants. Eighteen weekend cottages were removed and 15 horticultural ponds were restored and re-integrated in the landscape. Another important aspect of the project was the re-naturalisation of the river De Kleine Hoofdgracht. This action was implemented by the province of Antwerp, which removed the dikes along a stretch of 690 m and created more than 2 ha of open water, marshland and oxbows etc. The result is an improved habitat for endangered fish, such as the target species, brook lamprey and spined loach. Pine plantations and sod were cut, revealing a land dune of 15 ha. Wind dynamics and free recreation will help keep this area an open habitat. For the continuous management of the area a partnership of local farmers was set up. Over 60 ha is currently managed this way. Finally, the project has boosted the ecotourism value of the region. More hiking trails were installed (with bridges and board walks) and hiking brochures were produced. The area is expected to attract more visitors as a result. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).