Background The Bisamberg (located to the north-east of Vienna in Lower Austria) with its forests, vineyards and farmlands, is a popular recreation area for local people and visitors from the metropolis. It is also a hot spot of biodiversity because of its extreme (infertile) soil and climatic (hot, windy and dry Pannonic climatic) conditions. Composed of small-scale patterns of open grasslands and forests, the landscape has been shaped by man for centuries. The low intensity cultivation, e.g. viticulture, grazing and middle forest cultivation, is responsible for the site’s high ecological value, which includes three priority grassland habitat types (*6210, *6240, *6250) and the priority oak forest/ woodlands (*91H0, *91G0). These habitats support a host of rare or endangered plant species invertebrates and birds. Notable plant species include the priority flowering plant Artemisia pancicii and up to 17 different orchid species, including the lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), Adriatic lizard (Himantoglossum adriaticum), Ophris spp and Orchis sp. Despite the unique character of the Bisamberg landscape, however, its valuable habitats and species are under threat, notably from changing land management practices and a lack of public awareness of the need for conservation measures. Objectives The main objective of the project was to restore to a favourable conservation status 50 hectares of open dry grasslands, paying special attention to the three priority habitats: semi-natural dry grasslands with orchids (*6210); sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands (*6240); and Pannonic loess steppic grasslands (*6250). Activities on these grasslands would also improve living conditions of the Jersey tiger moth (Callimorpha quadripunctaria) as well as stabilize the decreasing population of the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio), woodlark (Lululla arborea) and barred warbler (Sylvia nisoria), all listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive. A second main objective was to restore and enhance the habitat quality of 30 ha of dry forest habitats, the priority Pannonic white-oak woods (*91G0) and Pannonic oak-hornbeam-forests (*91H0). A third important objective was to extend the habitat of European ground squirrel (Spermopilus citellus), which is listed for conservation in the EU under Annex II of the Habitats Directive. As well as these actions on the ground, the project would also carry out a public awareness campaign. Results The LIFE project contributed considerably to the improvement of dry meadows and forests and woodlands of Bisamberg region. In particular, shrubs and overgrowth were cleared from 33 ha of dry grasslands, a grazing system was established, and invasive alien species were eradicated from 36 ha of the forests. Among the key achievements, a previously unknown area of the very rare, Artemisia pancicii was discovered. The following, targeted habitats and species have all benefitted from the project actions: *6210 – Semi-natural dry grasslands with orchids; *6240 – Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands; *6250 – Pannonic loess steppic grasslands; *91G0 – Pannonic white-oak woods; *91H0 – Pannonic oak-hornbeam-forests; Spermophilus citellus; Eriogaster catax: Lucanus cervus; Artemisia pancicii; Himantoglossum adriaticum; Cypripedium calceolus.Another notable outcome was as a result of the project’s public relations campaign, which included awareness-raising activities and practical outputs, such as 15 information boards around the site and the publication of a 380pp book about the Bisamberg. The enhanced publicity about the site and the project’s conservation work resulted in greatly improved cooperation between local stakeholders and nature experts. The positive effects of the project actions, together with the intensive PR work, have increased the status of nature protection in this region considerably. The project work also showed that a good personnel contact between project management and local stakeholders (land owners, mayors, tourist offices) is crucial for successful project implementation. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).