Background The Natura 2000 site, Valleigebied van de Kleine Nete, is located in northeast Flanders, in the central Campine region, and covers 4 884 ha. The project focuses on 732 ha in the eastern part of this site, where nutrient-poor sandy soils are predominant. In 1935, the project area was mostly a heathland landscape, with a complex of land dunes and dry and wet heath. However, by the 1950s, it was used mainly for agricultural purposes, and today the area is dominated by homogeneous coniferous woods, and intensively farmed agricultural land. Nevertheless, on an area of 107 ha, some dunes and wet heathland habitats remain. In spite of problems of eutrophication, fragmentation and isolation, and high recreational pressure, the prospects for restoring valuable habitats are good, especially the habitat of the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), which can be found in the area. Objectives The project’s main objective is to restore habitats and create an ecological infrastructure in the Valleigebied van de Kleine Nete Natura 2000 site. Conservation measures foreseen for the species and habitats targeted in the project area include: - Restoration of dune and heathland habitats by changing land use on an area of 61 ha. - Conversion of 15 ha of homogenous pine forest into old oak woods. - Elimination of the invasive alien species, Prunus serotina, in a 90 ha forest. - Regulation of recreation activities and the closing off an area of 100 ha to the public. - The creation of two grazing blocks. - The creation of two core areas of habitat, covering 50 ha for the smooth snake. - Construction of corridors. - Monitoring of results. In addition, the project aims to increase public awareness and understanding of the conservation actions, encourage the exchange of knowledge amongst local stakeholders and other projects, and facilitate the dissemination of project results. It also aims to enhance cooperation between the partners and create a solid basis for collaboration in the future. Expected results: 1) Habitat restoration and the creation of ecological infrastructure: - A global vision and a concrete plan of execution. - 31 ha of agricultural land and 30 ha of homogenous pine forest converted to dune and heathland habitats. - Improvement of 150 ha of dune and heathland habitats. - The removal of 15 ha of homogenous pine forest and its replacement with old oak woods. - Control of the invasive alien tree species, Prunus serotina. - Regulation of recreational activities and the closing of100 ha to the public. - Two grazing blocks established. - Two uninterrupted core habitat areas of 50 ha for the smooth snake. - Corridors and connections through the forests in the project area, with habitats and populations in surrounding areas. - A decrease in eutrophication of the habitats by halting intensive agricultural activities in adjacent areas. 2) Communication and dissemination of results: - Public events at the start and at the end of the project - At least eight interactive guided walks for the public. - At least four newsletters distributed in Lommel (over 33 000 inhabitants). - Four notice boards. - Eight press conferences and eight press releases. - Two information packages, one new hiking map, and one thematic cycling route. - An active platform of stakeholders at regional level and an active platform of Life+ projects at European level. - A two-day international conference. - A report on ecosystem functions and the socio-economic impact.