Background France’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) manages 250 000 ha of public land, of which 42 000 ha host habitats and species that are classified in the EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive. A lack of nature-based management approaches to dry grasslands owned by the MoD threatens these habitats, which are becoming overgrown with shrubs. In addition, habitat features on MoD land such as pond edges, bat shelters and breeding or hunting grounds for birds are also considered to be under threat from unmanaged disturbance and habitat loss. These nature conservation challenges are compounded by a lack of knowledge among military personnel about the management requirements for species and habitats of European interest. The introduction of specific military guidelines regarding nature conservation could help address such challenges. Four Natura 2000 network sites in south-east France have been identified as suffering from major conservation issues and threats associated with military activities (firing, manoeuvres, training camps, etc.) of the French army and navy. The armed forces could become more proactively involved in nature conservation if they had the appropriate assistance and know-how. Objectives The project aims to carry out restoration and protection measures for various habitats supporting bat, gull and raptor species within four Natura 2000 network sites. The sites in south east France are Chambaran and Mont Caume (SCIs) and Garrigues and Aspretto (SPAs). A key aspect of this habitat and species conservation work will involve integrating Natura 2000 conservation issues into the management and use of military land. This will be achieved by building the capacity of the armed forces to carry out nature conservation activity in the long-term. The project also aims to promote replication of its methodology and results elsewhere as best practice approaches for nature conservation in military areas. Expected results The project will: Support the conservation status of Bonelli eagle and Egyptian vulture populations by increasing the availability of prey provided by five passerine bird populations. Work to increase the availability of prey birds will involve restoration or re-creation of the prey-birds’ breeding and foraging habitats on 120 ha of priority dry grassland; Support the conservation status of seven bat species of EU interest. Roosting and foraging habitats will be improved as an outcome of this work; and Support the conservation status of the Audouin gull. Work will increase the gull’s population size by 30% to 40% compared to the 2010 and 2011 observed population size; Restore 5 ha of summit pseudo-steppe and improve two temporary vegetation habitats for pond shorelines along 1 km of shoreline distributed over eight ponds; Introduce new legal tools: environmental clauses will be included in administrative sale acts for vacant MoD properties (70 sales are envisaged in south-east France); Facilitate more partnership approaches for managing nature conservation considerations on military land; and Provide a demonstration model for promoting the replication of best practice approaches for nature conservation in military areas.