Background The Averbode Bos en Heide area borders the Campine region and is unique to European lowlands. The region’s high geomorphological diversity includes several endangered habitats: the sand dune and dune-heath vegetation that grows on inland continental dunes; Atlantic wet heath with Rhynchosporion depressions; dry heath; species-rich Nardus grasslands; Atlantic acidophilous beech-oak forests and old acidophilous oak woods on sandy plains. The area also used to be famous for its oligotrophic and mesotrophic ponds with Littorellion and Nanocyperetalia vegetation and the presence of water plantain (Luronium natans). The largest population in Belgium of the crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is found here. The area is also home to several rare bird species, such as the bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), the honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) and black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius). In winter the bittern (Botaurus stellaris), little bittern (Ixobrychus minutes), great white egret (Egretta alba), black stork (Ciconia nigra) and wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola) all migrate here. However, the diversity of habitats and species has severely decreased in the pSCI over the past few decades. The biggest threat to the area is continuing afforestation and lack of adequate management. Objectives The main goal was to continue the restoration and sustainable management of ponds that contain Littorelletalia uniflorae, Nanocyperetalia, bogs (Ericion tetralicis), transition mires/quaking bogs and Rhynchosporion. This should help in the recovery of water plantain, Littorella uniflora and Lobelia dortmanna. Other goals included: Furthering the restoration of dryer habitats, such as Annex I habitats Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands, dry sand heaths, European dry heaths and the priority habitat species-rich Nardus grasslands; Improving the health of the beech/oak forests and oak woods on sandy plains. Increasing the populations of a wide range of endangered bird species. Establishing a sustainable long-term management for all the target habitats and species. Creating a long-term partnership with the local, provincial and Flemish government to ensure their support of the Natura 2000 area, the first partnership of its kind in Flanders. Increasing the area’s socio-economic potential through nature-oriented recreation and informing local people and visitors about the project. Results The project restored around 30 ha of oligotrophic water bodies (2310, 2330). Hereto trees were cut, stubs removed and top soil removed. On the adjacent lands more than 10 ha of open dunes (2310,2330, 4030), 58 ha of heathland (4010,4030) and 21 ha of Nardus grassland (6230+) were restored. More than 300 ha of pine forest is undergoing conversion to Querco-Fagetum, Querco-Betulum, and Stellario carpinetum. Recurrent management to control birch colonisation and Rubus seedlings was started. The area was also made more accessible to the public through the creation of nature trails, while information panels informed visitors of its natural value. Project actions were combined with intensive communication and consultation activities in order to ease the initial strong opposition. At the end of the project a workshop was held to address the problem of public opposition to the cutting of trees on such a large scale. Many people involved in Flemish nature restoration projects attended the workshop, and it was clear that it is a common problem. Public opposition has diminished now that the results of the project are starting to show. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).