Background The ‘Kleine Nete’ is a lowland river situated in the Flemish Campine region and runs from the edge of the Campine plateau to the Schelde bassin. The valley is characterised by high geomorphological and well-preserved natural diversity. The area is unique in western Europe, featuring heathland and moors in higher areas and valley ecosystems along the upper, middle and lower stream. Alongside the river are land dunes whose gradients are determined by their distance to it. These dunes are subject to seepage pressure from the development of peat. On the lower stream of the Kleine Nete, however, is a freshwater tidal river, a rare and vulnerable habitat in the EU. The valley of the Kleine Nete contains several types of endangered habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive – in particular, sand dune vegetations on land dunes; oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters; watercourses on the level of the plain; wet and dry heathland vegetation; species-rich Nardus grasslands; hydrophilous tall herb communities; transition mires; and quacking bogs and forests on extremely wet soils with high epiphyte flora. The project sites contain several rare and threatened species listed in the Annex II of the Habitats Directive, including fish such as the spined loach (Cobitis taenia), European bullhead (Cottus gobio) and European brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), as well as dragonflies (Leucorrhinia pectoralis) and floating water-plantain (Luronium natans). Several species listed in Annex IV of the Habitat Directive are also present in the valley, including an impressive and healthy population of moor frogs (Rana arvalis), However, land use changes (afforestation and intensive agriculture) have placed several habitats under severe pressure with species on the verge of extinction. Although some meadows have been transformed into valuable species-rich scrubs and alluvial forests with alder and willow, overall changes in the area have resulted in the great loss and fragmentation of valuable habitats leading to a consequent loss of biodiversity. Improving habitats and creating stepping stones in the strategically-located valley of the Kleine Nete will be of great importance in maintaining a favourable conservation status of the habitats and the species linked to these habitats. Objectives The project aims to restore: 52 ha of a complex of Annex I habitats that depend on seepage, flood and/or (in the lower stream) freshwater tides. (The project is of particular importance for freshwater tide-dependent hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities, including the endangered plants Veronica longifolia and Leucojum aestivum); 17 ha of Annex I habitats on a dry, poor, sandy soil as stepping stone between the Campine plateau and the heathlands in Flanders; Some 3 ha of the valuable Annex I habitat oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters, and associated species such as the dragonfly and moor frog. The project area is used for nature-oriented recreation by the nearby communities of Herentals and Lier. The project aims to integrate volunteers into nature management, inform the local community, visitors and authorities, and build new partnerships as an example of best practice. The project also aims to draw up three integrated conservation plans based on a detailed vegetation map and field research, and an after-LIFE conservation plan. Specific actions include: Monitoring of the (first) results; Purchase of 40 ha of land in the project area; Removal of larch and pine plantations; sod-cutting; removal of spontaneous trees/vegetation on abandoned land; development of new alluvial forests; integration of sites with buildings; removal of the nutrient-rich top soil and restoration of the original soil profile of former agricultural land; restoration of the natural hydrology and freshwater habitats; restoration of fen habitats; removal of exotic invasive species; installation of fences for grazing management; Acquisition of specialised equipment to carry out habitat restoration in extremely difficult situations; Construction of a fish passage to restore the connection for the fauna of the watercourses on plain levels; and Organisation of several activities to exchange knowledge and experience with local people, other LIFE projects and authorities. Expected Results: Establishment of the Kleine Nete as one of the core areas in lowland Europe for several Annex I habitats, especially for Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands, oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters, watercourses on plain levels, wet heathlands, hydrophilous tall herb communities, quacking bogs and transition mires, and alluvial forests (Macrophorbio-Alnetum and Carici elongatae-Alnetum); Restoration and increase of populations of Annex II-species such as Luronium natans, Leucorrhinia pectoralis, Lampetra planeri, Cottus gobio and Cobitis taenia; and Better visitor facilities and more information (brochures, leaflets, flyers) about the area and better socio-economic support for the Natura 2000 area and the LIFE project.