Background Though Brandenburg is home to large areas of xeric sand calcareous grasslands, these are among the most endangered habitat types in the region. Several key areas of development of xeric sand calcareous grasslands are found in Dahme-Seengebiet in the administrative districts of Dahme-Spreewald and Oder-Spree. This project aims to protect and restore areas where the habitat occurs or can be developed. Objectives The project mainly aims to support structures of land use that are compatible with nature conservation aims and boost the connection of dry grassland habitat systems. Furthermore, the project adopts an integrated approach that also allows other habitat types to develop in the project areas. Specific project goals include: Preservation and stabilisation of existing xeric sand calcareous grasslands; Restoration and development of different occurrences of xeric sand calcareous grasslands in suitable areas; Establishment and testing of land use that is suitable for long-term conservation of xeric sand calcareous grasslands, and the establishment of suitable structures for the management and maintenance of project areas in cooperation with regional land users and farmers; Securing ownership of very important and endangered areas of dry grasslands to protect them from changes in land use; and Stabilisation of the water balance in moor areas that accompany the xeric sand grasslands. Practical measures foreseen include the extensive removal/reduction of wood on areas of development of xeric sand calcareous grasslands; opening of forests and forest edges; exposing of characteristic solitary trees; removal of raw humus; reestablishment of grazing and mowing on dry habitats; and the creation of mostly linear habitat corridors. Project actions will be implemented in 20 Natura 2000 sites covering some 7 100 ha. Since there is widespread tourism in these areas, the project team will set up hiking trails, erect information boards and construct an observation tower. Expected results: Restoration of dry sand calcareous grasslands on an area of some 100 ha; and Indirect benefits on some 130 ha of connected dry habitats, such as dry sandy heaths, Inland dunes, old acidophilous oak woods with Quercus robur on sandy plains, Central European lichen pine forests and Sarmatic steppe pine forests.