Background The project area comprises the Natura 2000 sites, Kalltal und Nebentäler (DE-5303-302) and Ruraue from Heimbach to Obermaubach (DE-5304-301). This area makes up a significant part of the largest river basin of the Northern Eifel and is located between the large Rureifel reservoirs, above Heimbach, and the water impoundments in Kreuzau-Obermaubach. Coming from the west, the river Kall flows into the river Rur/Rureifel at the village of Zerkall. The two Natura 2000 sites, located in the Düren and Aachen administrative districts, cover a total area of 883 ha. The greater part of the area consists of water courses and alluvial meadows. Two more Natura 2000 sites are located in the immediate vicinity. These are the Rurtal from Obermaubach to Linnich (DE-5104-302) and the major part of the rocky slopes in the Rur Valley, which includes the bird protection area, Buntsandsteinfelsen im Rurtal (DE-5304-302). The project actions will also have a positive effect on these areas. Objectives The project aims to carry out improvements to the Kalltal and Ruraue Natura 2000 sites. Habitat improvement measures are intended not only to qualitatively enhance the alluvial meadow landscapes (lakes, ponds, woodland and open countryside), but also the water courses (in the Kalltal und Nebentäler Natura 2000 site). The main objective of the project is to improve and enlarge ‘natural eutrophic water bodies and oxbows’ (3150), as well as optimising the passage of water in the habitat types, ‘water courses with submersed vegetation’ (3260), for migrating species dependent on water and ‘woodland habitats of alder (Alnus glutinosa), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and softwood alluvial forests’ (91E0*), ‘bog woodland‘(91D0*), and ‘humid meadows with Violet Copper Lycaena helle’(1067). Conservation measures will promote the return or an increase in the density of protected habitats and species in the mid and long term, thereby helping to improve their conservation status. Specific objectives include: The construction and restoration of eutrophic water bodies and oxbow lakes (3150). In the project areas this habitat is hardly ever available, or it has been irreversibly destroyed; Improving the linear, ecological passage and the natural dynamism of the water courses, especially with regard to conservation efforts for migrating fish species in the trans-border waterway management group on the River Maas; Decreasing the impairment of the gravel armouring system by reducing sediment inflow, thereby optimising fish spawning grounds and increasing species variety; The development, expansion and optimisation of natural woodland and open countryside habitats of the alluvial plain, such as typical alluvial deciduous forests, bog woodland, species-rich hay meadows, and tall-herb humid meadows (LRT 91E0*, 91D0*, 9110, 9130, 6510, 6530); Enhancement of the habitat of the Violet Copper Lycaena helle (1067). This is a highly sensitive species and therefore an excellent indicatory species for fallow humid meadow habitat; Improving the living conditions and the conservation status of wildlife species deserving protection, especially species covered by the Birds and the Habitats Directives in the Natura 2000 sites (including bats, Atlantic salmon and black stork). Expected results: The restoration and optimisation of eutrophic water bodies in the alluvial plain will enlarge this sensitive and endangered habitat type (3150) to more than 10 000 m² – an increase of more than 100% in the area of this habitat in the Eifel region. In addition to some 35 km of water courses, around 13 ha of natural woodland and open countryside will also be improved. This will upgrade conditions for the targeted Natura 2000 species and habitats and help achieve their favourable conservation status. The project measures will also lead to a stabilisation and increase in the occurrence of the violet copper (1067). After completion of the measures, an area of 8.1 ha in the alluvial plain, springs and bog land areas will have been cleared of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and other non-native conifers. This will enable the re-establishment of native, species-rich biotopes (for the most part woodland habitats) in accordance with Annex I of the Habitats Directive. The project will form the basis for the development and long-term preservation of natural habitats with their associated biocoenoses.