Background The isolated juniper heaths of the Eastern Eifel are the last remnants of a vast heath landscape, which once covered a large proportion of the Eifel ranges. These heaths were the result of the historical ‘slash and burn’ agricultural land use. This once widespread agricultural system was based on heathland grazing, interrupted by occasional heather burning and subsequent periods of arable land use (Feld-Heide-Wechselwirtschaft). The Natura 2000 site "Wacholderheiden der Osteifel" encompasses 888 hectares of the most valuable remnants of this landscape. It is characterised by acidic heaths with Juniperus communis and Cytisus scoparius, and species-rich Nardus grasslands. The heaths are threatened by overgrowth, intensive recreational use and reforestation. In recent years, local initiators have started removing trees and shrubs and initiated grazing on some heaths, in order to re-establish the typical heath landscape. Objectives The project’s main objective was to conserve and develop species-rich Nardus grasslands and heaths with Juniperus communis and Cytisus scoparius in the Eifel hills near Cologne. It planned to re-establish permanent, extensive grazing regimes to achieve this. The project sought to restore vast grazing zones over an area of around 240 ha, distributed amongst eight isolated sites. It planned to prepare grazing concepts for each site with all the relevant stakeholders, including farmers, hunters and local authorities. These would provide guidelines for site management in each area. Specific planned interventions to provide the preconditions for a financially viable grazing management included the removal of trees, shrubs and topsoil and the sowing of seeds from typical heathland species on the cleared areas. These preparatory actions were expected to be followed by grazing by sheep and goat flocks from four local shepherds. Grazing with cattle and horses was also to be tested and assessed on a few sub-sites. Results The project succeeded in restoring significant areas of juniper heathlands in the Eastern Eifel. Conservation through extensive grazing by sheep and goats was in place over 140 ha by the project’s conclusion. It is to be hoped that the long-term conservation of these more open, grazed heathland areas will lead to a further transition to priority Nardus grassland habitats over time. A sub-contractor developed a grazing concept based on the assessment of different techniques for their impact on the (re-)development of heaths. The concept considered the historical situation of the project area, the characteristics of different grazing animals and the number of animals needed. It also discussed marketing potential, long-term opportunities for farmers and potential conflict with hunting activities. The project established recurring management with grazing and mulching over 172 ha. Although trials were made with horses, the project found that sheep and goats were more successful and more acceptable to the local community. The project sites provide sufficient land for sustainable grazing of a herd of 1 000 sheep and goats managed by a shepherd. The sites are connected, partly by corridors, to allow the shepherd to move his herd efficiently from pasture to pasture. Following obtention of 63.2 ha of land from private owners, the project successfully carried out a series of non-recurring actions: Clearance of trees and shrubs, particularly problematic Prunus spinosa, Sarothamnus scoparius and Rubus fruticosus - over 152.2 ha; Sod-cutting - on 31,7 ha of the cleared land; Mulching of 86.2 ha of the cleared area.The project sowed heather (Calluna vulgaris) seeds in target areas, with innovative accompanying germinating techniques using stalks sprinkled with mycorrhiza. It also sowed seeds from other typical heathland and Nardus grassland species, including Danthonia decumbens, Euphrasia nemrosa, Nardus stricta, Polygala serpyllifolia, Pulsatilla vulgaris and Viola canina. The awareness of the public to juniper heaths and linked habitats raised considerably compared to initial resistance to the idea of removing spruce. The beneficiary actively involved all stakeholders in management and conservation measures, what was and important precondition of a sustainable preservation of this habitat. Several farmers indicated their general interest in using the restored sites. At the end the project cooperated with one shepherd, disposing a herd of more than 1.000 sheep and goats. The grazing regime was stabilised through the project and the connection of economic interests with the requirements of nature conservation was combined to ensure long term management of the relevant sites. A regional marketing initiative was developed with association of local agricultural and gastronomy companies, bakeries, butcheries, beekeepers and communities, that developed a joint logo and marketing concept. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).