Background The project was carried out in Valencia region’s highest mountain ranges on five Natura 2000 sites where three priority habitats (endemic black pine forests, endemic juniper forests and yew woods) were being threatened by tree pests and diseases, as well as invasion by alien species. Yew and juniper populations were particularly affected by reduced natural regeneration rates caused by declines in fauna species which disperse seeds. Further threats were posed by changing agriculture and forestry practices as traditional approaches became replaced by techniques producing outcomes with less favourable conservation benefits. Tourism was also creating risks which were compounded by low awareness among local populations and lack of knowledge about the Natura 2000 sites’ environmental management requirements. Objectives The main goal of the project was to improve the conservation status of the three priority habitat types and halt declines in yew and juniper populations by eradicating invasive species, increasing the woods’ self-regeneration capacity, health status, overall numbers of trees and associated species, as well as preserving monumental trees. Sustainability was to be achieved by increasing the woods’ commercial profile as eco-tourism facilities and a resource for added-value products, including endemic aromatic plants. These aims were to be complemented by a publicity campaign to increase awareness and gain support for conservation actions at the Natura 2000 sites. Results The project has met all of its management, scientific and awareness raising objectives making important contributions to the conservation of black pine forests of Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii (9530*), endemic forests of Juniperus spp. (9560*) and yew (Taxus baccata) forests (9580*) habitats in five Natura 2000 network Sites of Community Interest (SCIs) at Alt Maestrat, Penyagolosa, Puebla de San Miguel, Mariola-Font Roja and Aitana-Serrella-Puig Campana. 6451 yew tree specimens have been identified in the project area as a result of a demographic analysis of yew tree populations, this represents a seven-fold increase in tree numbers from the previous data for the whole territory of the Valencian region. This number is expected to increase in future due to a new micro propagation technique that has been established by the Valencian Institute for Agronomic Research that accelerates the production of yew saplings from 2-3 years, to 1-3 months. Furthermore, up to 21,000 seedlings of 23 species have been planted to improve the conservation state of habitats and favour their natural regeneration. Many of the species that have been planted produce fruits that are eaten by dispersers and this will help strengthen the habitats’ natural regeneration potential. Other actions producing similar results include the installation of bee hives to increase the pollination of high mountain plant species and drinking troughs to attract animal species that play an important role in dispersing plant species. Eradication of invasive species such as Robinia pseudoacacia and Populus nigra x canadensis was carried out and maintenance works have been completed on 15 monumental trees. Scientific outcomes included clarification of yew tree genetic diversity in the region and storage of 195 seed lots from the most characteristic plants of high mountain habitats in germplasm banks at the Generalitat Valenciana and Botanical Garden. 15,000 plants from 6 different native aromatic species were reared locally and distributed to visitors and local inhabitants for use in gardens to improve biodiversity. Results regarding the public awareness campaign were relatively successful in terms of delivering information materials to different interest groups and creating a footpath network with interpretation boards describing local habitat features. Proposals to secure sustainable support via community involvement in conservation management proved to be too ambitious and innovative a target for the three year project so the beneficiary has realised that a longer term approach and more specific skills are needed for this target. Nevertheless, valuable experiences were gained during participation in local fairs, workshops with local stakeholders.