Background 'De Veluwe', which is home to large areas of threatened habitats and several threatened species, is part of the Natura 2000 network. Important habitats in the Veluwe include dunes, heathlands and wet moist heathlands. These habitats also occur in the project area in the north-western Veluwe. The project area is home to many breeding birds, including the European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), the Eurasian wryneck (Jynx torquilla) and the woodlark (Lullula arborea). The Veluwe is also the most important area in the Netherlands for inland sand drifts, and more than 90% of the inland sand drifts in Europe are found in the Netherlands. The Hulshorsterzand sand drift is a rich habitat for lichens and mushrooms species, several of which are classified as Red List species. The project area is also important for reptiles such as the sand lizard (Lacerta viridis), adder (Vipera berus) and slow worm (Anguis fragilis). Other species found in the project area include the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and giant earwig (Labidura riparia). The sand drift areas, however, have been severely reduced in the past few centuries. The value of the sand drifts was not always recognised and, for an extensive period (the end of the 19th century until approximately 1950 in the Veluwe), attempts were made to control these sand drifts, mainly by planting pine trees (Pinus sylvestris). This proved to be highly successful and the remaining sand drifts are now surrounded by coniferous forests. The extent of open areas with sand drifts and heathlands has decreased and the populations of many species associated with sand drifts and heathlands are currently highly fragmented. This is especially the case for less mobile species, such as the ground beetles (carabids), solitary bees and reptiles. A number of species have already disappeared from the area, including breeding birds such as the northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), the great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor) and the tawny pipit (Anthus campestris). Objectives The main objective of the project is to enlarge and/or improve the area of sand drifts and dry and moist heathlands in the north-western Veluwe. The project aims to connect different sub-areas with a view to enhancing the dispersion of target species and increasing populations. The implementation of the project actions will contribute to the enlargement and restoration of habitats and associated species in the project area. The project will specifically focus on inland sand drifts in the Hulshorsterzand area, one of the largest and best preserved areas of inland sand drifts in Europe. Expected results: Enlargement of the area of dune and heatland habitats by 89 ha. These habitats will develop where the forest has been removed; Improvement of dune and heathland habitats in an area of around 250 ha; Removal of invasive blackberry (Prunus serotina) in an area of 300 ha. Both forest and open habitats of sand drifts and heathland are expected to benefit from this action; The zoning of Hulshorsterzand as a recreation area, which will result in the creation of new (and improved) viewpoints, the closing of a footpath (420 m) and the creation of an alternative footpath (415 m) in another part of the project area; Ongoing management through the project's restoration and enlargement measures. This management will be carried out by contractors and employees/volunteers of Natuurmonumenten. The continued management of the area will be assured by the work of volunteers and the purchase of the necessary equipment (e.g. monitoring tools).