Background Old-grown trees and decaying wood (wooded meadows, virgin forests) are important for supporting numerous rare, endangered and protected species of EU importance across all groups, notably insects, fungi, lichens, mosses and birds. Due to intensive agriculture and forestry these habitat types are rapidly disappearing throughout the EU. This project will target at least 30 Natura 2000 sites which are important sites for the European priority beetle species, Osmoderma eremita and Phryganophilus ruficollis, as well as the priority habitat, Fennoscandian wooded meadows (6530*). Most of the project work will be carried out in Natura 2000 sites. However, the planning and inventories will be implemented across whole Latvia. Objectives The main project objectives are to: Develop a comprehensive ecological management system for Fennoscandian wooded meadows and rare species dependent on old-grown trees and undisturbed forest habitats; Ensure the conservation of two EU priority beetle species Osmoderma eremita and Phryganophilus ruficollis; Support the further development and implementation of the Natura 2000 network by involving landowners and other stakeholders in the management of Natura 2000 sites and in particular, in the continuation of traditional extensive management of wooded meadows and other habitats suitable for the targeted beetle species. Expected results: A habitat conservation plan for Fennoscandian wooded meadows; A species conservation plan for EU priority beetle species Phryganophilus ruficollis; Two nature management plans for Natura 2000 sites - the “Eglone” and “Istras ezers” nature reserves; The planning of an ecological network for the conservation of rare saproxilophagous beetles and their habitats; The restoration of 40 ha of Fennoscandian wooded meadows; Scrub removal on 20 ha (approximately 200 trees) around biologically valuable large trees – habitats of Osmoderma eremita and Phryganophilus ruficollis; Improved tourism infrastructure, including: a 5.2 km nature trail, an information centre; and mobile and permanent exhibitions; An interactive GIS database of the two beetle species.