Background Populations of meadow birds and several species of amphibians are declining in the Lower Rhine Special Protection Area (project location). Three key causes for this are: the deterioration of floodplain habitats, caused by falling groundwater levels as a result of erosion of the Rhine riverbed; increasing agricultural usage; and growing recreational pressure from local building development. Valuable bird species that are losing their breeding habitats along the river Rhine include the redshank (Tringa tetanus) and the black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa). Moreover, there is a noticeable reduction of habitats for resting and wintering bird species that depend on wet grassland. Species-rich lowland meadows are also critically endangered in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, primarily because of agricultural intensification. Objectives The project’s overall aim is to improve the conservation status of species and habitats of European significance in the "Lower Rhine Area" Natura 2000 site. Specific objectives include: Stopping the deterioration of floodplain habitats, increasing agricultural usage and growing recreational pressure. Project actions aim to increase and protect the population numbers of species of floodplain habitats. The focus is on meadow birds, which show declining populations since 1983, as well as on three amphibian species of European significance, whose local population size will be stabilised and increased; Bringing the habitat type, 'Lowland meadows', which is in a poor state of preservation in the project area, into a 'favourable' conservation status; and Informing local people about the Natura 2000 network site’s unique landscapes, and making them aware of the need to protect this natural heritage. Expected results: The creation of 4.6 ha of hollows periodically filled with water and furrows with sparse vegetation on an overall grassland area of 76.5 ha. The structural diversity will be enriched by creating both wet and drier elements in a mosaic. The banks of an artificial river channel will be cleared of bushes. By these means, the breeding habitats of black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), redshank (Tringa totanus), northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) will be improved; The creation of shallow, permanent water pools with an overall area of 0.3 ha, the banks of which will provide breeding habitats for Garganey (Anas querquedula), northern shoveller (Anas clypeata) and gadwall (Anas strepera). The pools will also provide breeding habitats for the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and pool frog (Rana lessonae); Fencing and creation of pastures in two areas (41 and 4.8 ha respectively), to enhance breeding conditions for the black-tailed godwit, redshank, northern lapwing, meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) and corncrake (Crex crex); A former NATO driveway will be broken up and removed over a surface of 190 metres. By deposition of natural sediments and wild seeds, a cover of tall forbs will develop, protecting adjacent habitats from disturbance by visitors; An overall area of 30 ha, comprising grassland, shrubs and floodplain forest, will be fenced, and controlled grazing will be introduced. The pasture livestock will influence the dynamics of the floodplain habitats and thus increase habitat diversity; The development of lowland meadows will be initiated in two areas (totalling 11 ha). Part of the project area is owned by public authorities. A further 75 ha of land will be acquired in order to ensure long-term success of the implemented measures.