Background The wetlands of the Damvallei arose in a former meander of the River Schelde in East Flanders, which filled up over time with peat. Starting in the Middle Ages, this peat was cut away by the inhabitants of the nearby city of Gent and surrounding areas. This exploitation gave rise to about fifty relatively small pools with lush aquatic pondweeds or transition mires. Surrounding these pools, the micro-gradients of clay, loam and sand yielded a complex of different grassland types, such as sward grasslands, Eu-Molinia, and species-rich hay meadows. Ponds and ditches still harbour populations of Annex II fish species such as the spined loach (Cobitis taenia) or the bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus). Although large areas of the site are protected, several pools and grasslands were either in poor condition or not being managed properly. Uncontrolled angling, plantation of poplar stands, and even waste dumping were affecting the area. Additionally, the introduction of non-native species and changes in land use – notably its becoming a leisure spot for the people of Gent - had further contributed to the decline of this Natura 2000 site. Objectives This project aimed to restore threatened habitats, such as aquatic pondweed and charophyte vegetation, transition mires, different types of grasslands and alluvial forests. Land purchase of around 40 ha of ponds and grasslands was planned to obtain larger blocks for management. Restoration measures would then be implemented, based on an in-depth hydro-chemical study to investigate the recolonisation potential of their natural flora and fauna. To preserve the targeted biotopes for the future, the beneficiary intended to elaborate a comprehensive management scheme for the entire pSCI. Finally, several PR-campaigns were planned to gain support from the local population. Results The project achieved its aims of restoring important wetland habitats using innovative techniques. It saw a return of targeted vegetation and demonstrated best practice in its field. The beneficiary carried out detailed preparatory research on peat-pond restoration. An eco-hydrological study looked at natural water quality and sources impacting on this quality. This study was crucial in informing better protection of natural values by the Flemish government and can be seen as a model for restoration projects dealing with wetlands and especially oligo-mesotrophic ponds and lakes. The project purchased strategic parcels of land, concentrating on areas of great biological interest or zones which would complete wider land sections or provide stepping stones between important habitats. A total of 47.4 ha of land were purchased with LIFE support. An additional 6 ha of land were purchased and 7 ha leased without LIFE support, increasing the total protected area by over 60 ha. Restoration and dredging of peat ponds was carried out over 3.87 ha, involving 12 different ponds. A further 25.46 ha of historical grassland and transition mires were restored. Topsoil and materials dumped on the land were removed over 1.1 ha and 1 900 m of ditches were restored. A major operation of the project was the removal of poplar plantations. Around 6.7 ha were removed to restore alder forests; a further 10 ha were cleared to create open habitats. The action included the purchase of a specialised tool for the management of wet areas: the softrack. The project is an example of good practice in the way it removed all tree remnants and cut or scraped the stumps at the level of the soil. This enabled the mowing of 31.3 ha of restored grasslands - for their long-term management - to be started immediately. This included areas of abandoned grasslands and former poplar plantations. The actions were successful at restoring the original hydrology of the area. Dramatic impacts on vegetation were seen; rare and endangered species returned, including pedicularis palustris and a lot of sedges typical of meso-oligotrophic molinion grasslands. To improve sustainable human interaction with the wetlands, 18 km of new paths were constructed, including 351 m of wooden paths and nine bridges over ditches. A bird observation infrastructure and angling ramps for disabled people were installed. A particularly interesting awareness-raising activity was the holding of a six-month art exhibition. A special Damvallei book was produced, along with information panels and a website providing valuable information about the nature reserve and the LIFE project. The large role of volunteers in the project was a key part of its success and also offers hope for its sustainability in the future. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).