Background Over the centuries the characteristic landscape of North-Rhine-Westphalia was formed by very extensive sheep and cattle grazing and extensive hay meadows. Species-rich matt-grass (Nardus) grasslands are special grasslands that have evolved from traditional land use practices on acid soils. However, these types of grassland are in rapid decline as a result of afforestation and tree plantations, abandonment of cultivation, nutrient enrichment and ploughing. Nardus grasslands are considered priority habitats for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. This habitat type is often found growing in areas alongside heathland, Molinia meadows and other special grasslands. Objectives In the Eifel highlands of the county of Euskirchen, some small sections of those vulnerable grasslands still exist today. Protected by nature conservation contracts, they are currently classified as ‘vulnerable’ because of their degraded conservation status. Thus, the project’s main aims are the large-scale restoration of this rare and endangered habitat and the creation of a complex of interconnected Nardus grassland areas over a total area of more than 90 ha across three Natura 2000 sites. It is expected that the connectivity measures will encourage the regeneration and restoration of these rare grasslands in the highlands of the Eifel far beyond their local scope and scale. Specific objectives for the three Natura 2000 sites (Sistig in the municipality of Kall, the forests of Baasem in the municipality of Dahlem, and the valley of Manscheid and Paulushof in the municipality of Hellenthal) are: >ul>The regeneration and restoration of Nardus grasslands and improvements to the characteristic species composition; To initiate and demonstrate suitable forms of sustainable land use; To raise awareness among local communities of suitable land use practices in favour of the valuable grasslands; and To encourage acceptance and support for the Natura 2000 network.The proposed actions will include: the preparation of a detailed management plan; deforestation, shrub clearance and removal of drainage systems; re-routing or closure of forest roads in sensitive areas; reintroduction of Nardus grasslands by seed-rich hay transfer; grassland management by mowing and grazing; monitoring; and public relations and awareness-raising. Since the project’s success is dependent on the acceptance and support of the public and stakeholders, including land owners, special attention will be paid to the awareness-raising issues. Expected results: Restoration or regeneration of 90 ha of Nardus grasslands in the highlands of the Eifel; An improvement in the conservation status and survival prospects of the grassland type and associated rare and endangered species; Creation of a sustainable habitat network of interconnected Nardus grassland sites; and Scientific surveys/research and monitoring.Results http://www.life-borstgrasrasen.eu/content.php/8