Background Volcanic rock, combined with climatic factors and relief has created thermophilous habitats in the Lounské Středohoří hills, especially thermophilous steppic grasslands, dominated by Stipa grasses and rock outcrops with dry pioneer and grassland communities. These habitats host species-rich plant and animal communities with many rare and threatened species, including species of European importance. Many invertebrate species in the Czech Republic are only found in this area, and some of these are endemic. Efforts to protect the remnants of these rare habitats and species led to the establishment of two protected sites in 1936. The area was traditionally used for animal (especially sheep) grazing – evidence of grazing dates back to the 13th century and continued until the 1980s, when there were some 2 500 sheep in the area. However, in 1991, all sheep were removed from the site. An immediate consequence of this was the spread of shrubs and the accumulation of dead biomass, leading to significant changes in habitat structure and, subsequently, a rapid decline of endangered species. Objectives The project aims to contribute to the maintenance and the restoration to favourable conservation status of the unique thermophilous habitats and species in the Lounské Středohoří hills. The project will seek to increase the populations of target species, improve overall species diversity and raise public awareness of thermophilous habitat types and species, their protection, maintenance and sustainable use. The project will target nine habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (6210, 6110, 6190, 6510, 40A0, 8150, 8160, 8220, 9180) and four species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive: Stipa zalesskii, Spermophilus citellus, Stenobothrus eurasius and Callimorpha quadripunctaria. In addition, 14 nationally important butterfly species will be targeted. Expected results: The expected results include the purchase of 11.7 ha of land, and the acquisition of another 30 ha by free transfer and about 50 ha through long term land leases. The following management measures are foreseen: Cutting shrubs in steppe habitats (110 ha); Restoration of pastures (100 ha); Elimination of invasive alien wood species (7.5 ha) and their replacement by 7 000 native deciduous trees in 5 ha of forest land.Renewal of old orchards (23 ha); The restoration, cutting and mulching of grasslands (c. 17 ha); and