Background An uninterrupted stretch of nearly 2 500 hectares of dunes from Gâvres to Quiberon is one largest dune areas in Brittany. Almost 1 000 ha are grey dunes, a priority habitat, and in their midst can be found humid dune slacks. In fact, the area contains examples of every type of dune formation from ‘embryonic shifting dunes’ to ‘white dunes’ and beyond these lie typical Brittany heaths, which are also priority EU habitats. The range of floral diversity is unparalleled: Omphalodes littoralis, a priority plant listed in the Habitats Directive, the fen orchid, Liparis loeselii, and several protected species make this a site of crucial ecological importance. This coastal area, where development is strictly controlled, however, is attracting more and more tourists – and their impact is becoming apparent. The popularity of activities such as horse and quad-bike riding is adding to the problem. Moreover, trees are beginning to choke the humid dune slacks and non-native plant species are threatening its biodiversity. Rogue dumping of rubbish is also occurring. Objectives The main aim of this project was to ensure the conservation of the dune area between Gâvres and Quiberon in order to safeguard its biodiversity and the interdependence of the different natural habitats: dunes, humid dunes slacks, vegetated sea cliffs and heaths. Conservation of these habitats and careful management would ensure the future of species such as Omphalodes littoralis, Liparis loeselii and Rumex rupestris. Specific objectives over a five-year term were to: Conserve the tapestry of different habitats and maintain locations for specific plants; Conserve the whole area and in particular the grey dunes in their natural state; Conserve the humid dune slacks with all their biodiversity, in particular the preservation of Liparis loeselii and Spiranthes aestivalis; Control certain invasive plants species on the site in particular Baccharis halimifolia on the humid dune slacks; Employ coast guards over the whole site trained to inform and raise the awareness of the public so that the habitats and the species are properly respected; Disseminate information on the site Gâvres-Quiberon to inform and enlighten future policy here and elsewhere; and Spread conservation methods taken by the project.Results The project achieved its overall objectives despite some actions being partially cancelled. The presence of species of European interest, such as the fen orchid, the summer lady's tresses Omphalodes and shore dock (Rumex rupestris), have been reported on the project sites. Inventories and monitoring was carried out on 38 areas of various types of coastal habitats (e.g. embryo dune, shifting dune, fixed dune, wetlands, marshes, coastal grasslands, heathland and bay heads). These inventories constitute a useful database that can be drawn upon in the planning of management actions and evaluating their impacts. The project also improved existing knowledge of the populations of many of these priority species as well as the factors that influence their reproduction and has led to up-to-date information of the status of the species. Several protocols have been developed, including reliable inventory sheets. A range of restoration actions were carried out to tackle habitat destruction. Actions included: fencing with different types of fences/nets, plant removal, mowing, cutting and mulching, planting and sowing, pond creation, garbage collection and removal, signalisation, guarding and communicating. Each type of action was monitored in order to determine best practices. The project conclusions were collated in a published document, ‘Recueil d'expériences’. Monitoring showed that some species of conservation interest (Liparis loeselii, Serapias Parviflora, Orphys apifera, Anacamptis pyramidalis, green frog, tree frog, palmate newt, some dragonflies and birds) had already started recolonising some of the sites where habitats had been restored. For the other sites, it is still too soon to determine the effectiveness of the actions undertaken. Further monitoring studies are required. Another means of preventing the deliberate destruction of habitats is site surveillance. Indeed, the presence of a surveillance team onsite seems to have had a positive impact and such behaviour is now less apparent. The surveillance actions carried out by the project have also helped inform the public about the need to conserve these priority species. The project also achieved positive results in limiting the impact of recreational activities on vulnerable habitats. It defined concrete measures that were then taken into account by local municipalities through local bylaws, management plans, the development of partnerships and consultations with the various stakeholders and surveillance operations. One site that could not be restored, however, was the Kersahu marshes. The defence ministry, which owns the site, would not authorise the necessary action. Ownership of the land is being transferred to a civil structure but this transaction was not concluded by the end of the project. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).