Background The project area is situated in an area which contains a soil base ranging from sand to loam. This hosts a large and unique range of biodiversity. However, these habitats are very vulnerable because of significant fragmentation. Objectives The core aim of this project is to restore a mosaic of Annex I habitat types including: wet grasslands, dry grasslands and heaths, woodland, mires and ponds. Species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive will benefit from the project, which is located in central Belgium (Hageland district east of Leuven and Demer lowlands between Aarschot and Diest). Actions proposed for the project include: Increasing the coverage of well-developed Molinia-meadows (6410) and Arrhenatherion grasslands (6510) via 30 ha of habitat restoration; Improving the coverage and quality of species-rich transition mires (7140) and the aquatic habitat Magnopotamium (3150) over a 2.5 ha target area. Such works are expected to encourage bitterns to return and breed in the project area; Improving the coverage and quality of alluvial forests and alder-ash woods (91E0); Re-establishing 25 ha of wet forest-types by removing (poplar) plantations; Increasing the coverage of all heath land habitats by works in an area of 10 ha targeting mainly Nardus-grasslands (6230) European dry heaths (4030), inland dunes with open Corynephorus- and Agrostis-grasslands (2330) and inland dunes (2310); Removing invasive alien species on a large scale, especially in the alluvial forests and ash-alder woods; Securing a more favourable conservation status for populations of two Annex II species (Triturus cristatus and Luronium natans); and Initiating a sustainable land management plan and system for all project sites. This will involve appropriate mowing and grazing regimes and making use of local voluntary sector inputs. Habitat restoration actions by the project aim to benefit populations of target Annex I species of the Bird Directive, such as Botaurus stellaris, Circus aeruginosus, Porzana porzana and Luscinia svecica. In order to protect and connect the target habitats and to develop sufficiently large populations of the target species, some 100 ha of land will be purchased. Sixteen locations within the project area’s two Natura 2000 network sites will be targeted for habitat connectivity work in order to redress concerns of fragmentation. The project also aims to integrate nature recreation benefits in its outcomes and act as an example of good practice for public participation in nature conservation activity. Overall goals for this approach aim to increase local communities’ understanding and appreciation of and involvement in the Natura 2000 network. Expected results The project will result in the restoration of 116 ha of land, including the following Annex I habitat types: 5 ha of wet grasslands (6510 and 6410); 10 ha of dry grasslands and heaths (5 ha of 6230 and 5 ha of a mix of 4030, 2330 and 2310); 25 ha of woodland (22.5 ha of 91E0 and 2.5 ha of 9120, 9160 and 9190 together); 2.5 ha of mires (7140); and 2.5 ha of ponds (3150 and 3130).In addition, 20 ha of invasive plant species will be removed and grazing management introduced over 30 ha. Twenty pools will be excavated and improved for the benefit of Triturus cristatus and Luronium natans. Following completion of the project, the Hageland area will be one of the core areas in lowland Europe for Triturus cristatus, Luronium natans, Botaurus stellaris, Circus aeruginosus, Porzana porzana and Luscinia svecica.