Background The herb, Angelica palustris, is a flowering species listed in the annex II of the Habitats Directive. It thrives in wet alluvial meadows and alder swamps, where it can locally form dense populations if conditions are favourable. The continental species has a western range limit in Germany. Although still relatively abundant in Russia and Estonia, populations elsewhere are declining because of the threat to their main habitats from increased agricultural activity and abandonment as well as active drainage and afforestation. Some sites have even been destroyed through the creation of fishponds. Within the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and Hajdú-Bihar counties of eastern Hungary, the beneficiary has identified 11 sites holding populations of Angelica palustris, all of which have a good restoration potential but are in urgent need of conservation actions. Objectives The main project aim was the conservation of the most important stands of Angelica palustris in eastern Hungary. This would be achieved through the improvement and restoration habitats. Once the necessary land is brought under control via purchase, drainage ditches would be closed and the natural hydrology restored. In order to create buffer zones around the wet habitat core areas, arable lands were planned to be sown with grass and transformed into meadows. Shelter belts of trees were also planted. Comprehensive management plans would be drawn up, focusing on the requirements of Angelica palustris. Their implementation will involve the collaboration of local farmers and municipal workers. This requires public awareness actions at the local level, such as training of 'village masters' to become trustees for the species. Results The project experienced significant delays, however, and unforeseen rises in the price of land meant that the target of 1033ha foreseen land purchase was not achieved. Targets were modified as a result and only part of the total budget was spent. Nevertheless, the project had a positive impact on Angelica palustris and vulnerable wetland habitats. As a result of the project, the proportion of Angelica palustris habitats in nature conservation ownership increased from 38% to 66%. In addition, the number of individuals in nature conservation property increased from 44% to 72%. It implemented a programme of practical field activities (land purchase, water retention, grassland reconstruction, manual and machine management) on 84 hectares (86%) of the habitats of Angelica palustris (the equivalent of 75,397 individuals, which is 92% of the population). During the project implementation, the area of known Angelica palustris habitats benefitting from nature conservation activities increased from 38% to 89%. Other results of the project included: The purchase of 255 hectares. The management of 209 hectares. Monitoring activities (both botanical and zoological). The drawing up of 11 management plans and plans identifying reconstruction possibilities. The increased co-operation of relevant organisations. Continuous contact with local residents to safeguard the habitats and significantly decrease threats to the populations of Angelica palustris. Finally, the project has opened up a great opportunity for larger management and reconstruction work (37 hectare grassland reconstruction, 50 hectare afforestation), which will strengthen the conservation of the Angelica palustris populations.