Background Boreal Baltic coastal meadows are a priority habitat found close to the shores of the Baltic Sea in Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states. This habitat type has suffered from destruction and degradation due to alternative, non-compatible land uses and a lack of management (grazing, hay-making etc.). In Estonia, the estimated total area has declined from 29,000 ha in the 1960s to around 5,100 ha today. This decline has also affected various bird species, such as the ruff (Philomachus pugnax), little tern (Sterna albifrons) and corncrake (Crex crex), listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive. Objectives Responding to the drastic decline of the coastal meadows, the Estonian Ministry of the Environment initiated a LIFE project aimed at the preservation of a total 1,572 ha in 16 sites, that is 30 % of the remaining coastal meadow area in Estonia. The project included restoring 1,191 ha for grazing and 70.2 ha for mowing. This presupposes preparatory actions such as contractual and management agreements with landowners, and the purchase of cattle and sheep in order to secure a satisfactory number of grazing animals. An important aspect of the project was the restoration/creation of 64 freshwater ponds for the natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), listed on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. This species has suffered badly from habitat loss, such as destruction or overgrowth of spawning ponds, over large parts of Europe. In order to reduce the risk of inbreeding and to secure the genetic constitution of the target species, tadpoles were to be re-introduced at 10 sites and reserve populations established at another six sites. The dissemination programme for the project included two training workshops and study tours to Denmark for Estonian experts. To promote public awareness of coastal meadows as a threatened habitat with a high biodiversity dependent on continuous management, an exhibition at Matsalu National Park was planned, as well as information boards, a web page and a video. Results A major result of the project was the drawing up of a national conservation management plan for the natterjack toad. The plan provided an overview of the current situation of the species in Estonia, determined the short and long-term protection objectives, described the main risk factors as well as the necessary actions and protection measures to be taken in accordance with the established objectives. Protection measures were described in detail for each locality, including the continued management of restored ponds and the creation of reserve populations. The plan was for four years. Interaction with local people was key to achieving the project targets. The initiative to encourage farmers to sign management contracts for coastal meadows and natterjack toad ponds exceeded expectations. In total 1675 ha of coastal meadows are under management, an advance on the target of 1,261 ha. The national compensation system was well received and became more popular during the course of the project. As interest in maintaining semi-natural grasslands grew, the project was able to provide farmers with the necessary capacities. National agri-environment schemes have also been introduced. Such initiatives are crucial for ensuring the long-term success of the project’s excellent pump priming activities. Additionally, in order to share the experiences gained through this project, it produced best practise guidelines for the management of coastal meadows. The project also organised successful networking activities with other LIFE projects in Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Finally, the project conducted a survey of the farmers that had each received nine sheep as compensation as part of the project. Just two cattle keepers did not want to keep the sheep after the project (due to old age or the added work load). In 2004, the project organised a training day for the farmers on the welfare of sheep.