Background The Vezseny Bend floodplain area is a site of several important wildlife habitats. Due to its relative distance from urban areas, it is a site of unique ecological significance both at national and international level. Its significant biodiversity and migratory potential make the area an important site for preservation activities. At the same time, due to the floodplain area’s good soil productivity, the site also offers huge agriculture and forestry potential. However, native forests and vegetation have changed a great deal in recent years, with, in particular, False Indigo Bushes (Amorpha fruticosa) having spread across the floodplain area. Apart from the significant aquatic ecosystems, this area is also of particular importance for its ability to ameliorate the flood risk from the River Tisza. Objectives The project aimed to improve the water management of the floodplain of the River Tisza at Vezseny via comprehensive floodplain restoration. The project’s proposed landscape rehabilitation was to focus on a) Habitat restoration - including ecological corridor development, turf and forest restoration, rolling back the presence of invasive alien species, enlargement of native species habitat, the launch of extensive (as opposed to intensive) agricultural practices and animal husbandry. b) Expansion of the floodplain’s water retention capacity, in order to reduce flood risks. This activity would include: clay pit restoration, application of the ‘fok’ method (artificial water retention via the construction of specially designed hydraulic structures [‘foks’ or ‘notches’ in English] in a floodplain area), forest rehabilitation, and adjustment of run-off paths. c) The establishment of new job opportunities to thereby reduce the emigration of the local population. Results The project indeed managed to improve the water management of the River Tisza floodplain. Habitat restoration was achieved via forest restoration activities and the destruction of alien species. Extensive agricultural practices and animal husbandry was re-started on the pilot territory, and the clay pit restoration was completed, along with the adjustment of run-off paths. The flood plain channels were excavated, higher parts of the channel-bars were pulled down, channel entrances were opened, and the borrow-pits were excavated. Some 20,900 m3 of earth was moved from the area, with the storage capacity increased by this volume. By excavating the channels of the flood plain, the project has secured water supply to the dry land areas. Wetland habitats and spawning ponds were created for the river’s fish population by a rehabilitation and lowering of the borrow pit system, and the channel network was regulated by water structures. The previously existing 5.2km-long nature trail was equipped with a new outlook point, five rain shelters, ten benches, 20 rubbish bins, 2 wooden bridges, 30 information tables and a portable toilet. A 200m2 parking lot was also built at the starting point of the nature trail. In order to divert water from the borrow-pits, two clack valves and a culvert were constructed. The southern (250m) and the northern (370m) flood channels were dredged and cleaned of vegetation, and now provide water to the area. If there is one lesson learnt from the experience, however, it was that the major construction work should have been scheduled for the fall-to-winter period, as the borrow-pits (areas where material [usually soil, gravel or sand] has been dug for use at another location) and channels are usually dry and the trees and shrubs are leafless at this time, the area is penetrable, all of which would have meant that the mechanical work and measurements would have been easier to carry out. Flood-free periods also would have favoured the construction work. Additionally, one of the most positive results was the important number of civil, nature-conservation and sporting organisations involved in the planning phase of the project. Furthermore, three national parks co-operated as well.