Background Yew thickets are sciophilous formations, common to river banks in encased mountain valleys. They are mainly of a scarce and relict nature, dominated by the common yew but include to varying degrees several other species, such as the common holly, the white birch, the English oak, the Pyrenean oak and the European mountain ash. The dominant species in this habitat, the common yew, is a dioic species, the reproductive structures being unisexual, with the feminine and the masculine structures present on different individuals. It has a long lifespan and is found in Portugal only in two Natura 2000 sites: in ‘Peneda-Gerês’ (Atlantic and Mediterranean biogeographic regions) and in ‘Serra da Estrela’ (Mediterranean biogeographic region). The main threats to its habitat have been identified as forest fires, direct cutting, grazing and invasion by exotic species. Objectives This project aims to contribute to the restoration of rare Mediterranean yew habitat listed as priority for conservation in the Annex I of the Habitats Directive. It will thus maintain the diversity of the forest mosaic by enhancing the existing species and increasing its occupation area in the targeted Natura 2000 sites. It will also raise awareness of the urgent need to preserve a very rare forest habitat that is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Actions will take place in the ‘Peneda-Gerês’ Natura 2000 site, focused on improving the habitat’s conservation status, and in the ‘Serra da Estrela’ Natura 2000 site, where in addition to improving the habitat’s conservation status, the project will also aim to extend the area occupied by yew thickets. Expected results: The project will produce a total of 25 thousand plants (10 thousand yew plants and 15 thousand trees and shrubs existing in the habitat). Eighteen thousand of these will be used to increase the habitat area by 15 hectares in ‘Serra da Estrela’ and the remaining 7 000 will be used to ensure the continuation of the project’s goals after it ends. Active management of 50 ha in ‘Peneda-Gerês’ and 10 ha in the ‘Serra da Estrela’ will focus on improving the habitat conservation status and ensuring that in the future, the area will only be subjected to natural disturbances. The project’s results will directly reach 30 thousand people through the Quercus Ambiente newspaper (which has a bimonthly circulation of 10 thousand). The project will also target 10 thousand basic and high school students and teachers. Dissemination materials will include: 10 thousand flyers; 1500 brochures; 5000 posters; An interpretative exhibition, a pedagogic exploration guide, and an educational game about the species, for students in local schools; Three promotion spots (one minute each) and a documentary (20-25 minutes); 15 thousand vouchers for the support of the yew thickets for the post-LIFE period.