Background Only two estuary areas exist along the Belgian coast: that of the Zwin in Knokke and the Yzer in Nieuwpoort. They are the two largest remaining natural areas of the Flemish coast and form stepping stones for migrating birds between the great natural coastal areas in The Netherlands, France and UK. The Flemish Nature Reserve 'The Zwindunes and -polders' is situated next to the estuary of the Zwin and consists of low coastal dunes and a large fossil beach plain. The river Zwin was previously active with a wide estuary and was the natural access to the port of Brugge. But the estuary filled with sand and silt deposits and dams have reduced it to its present size. Parts of the dune-system in the project area are now subject to the invasive growth of scrub and grasses. The project area is also affected by the use of strong fertilisers on its meadowland. The Flemish Region acquired the land in 2002 as a nature reserve. Objectives The main objective of the project was to restore and maintain the natural habitat that typically exists on coastal dunes. This work involved encouraging a transition of the nature reserve’s depleted habitats into salt marshes, incorporating Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia), fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation or grey dunes, humid dune slacks and hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of stonewort (Chara) formations. A second objective focused on disseminating knowledge about how to manage and maintain such habitat. The project area covered 222 ha. Results The project achieved its objectives and reversed the invasion of scrubs and grasses. Tree plantations were removed to restore the humid dune slacks and fixed dune habitat. Other works, featuring shallow excavations of topsoil, accompanied by the cleaning and profiling of 17 ponds and a dune brook, also contributed to the habitat restoration. Results fostered environments suitable for felworts, orchids and amphibians. The first tree frogs were heard in the area after a very long time and the population of great crested newt is now spreading out in different pools around the nature reserve. Inappropriate infrastructure (including concrete installations and 17 km of barbed wire) were removed and replaced by more natural landscape features like pools. Outcomes opened up the nature reserve’s landscape so the course of the dune brook became visible once again. A mix of different livestock breeds were introduced to graze (and so manage) 168 ha on the site. Mowing is also taking place using equipment purchased by the project. In the central and eastern parts of the site (Kleyne Vlakte) the (artificially levelled) topography has been changed drastically by local excavation of differentiated ponds, creeks, shallow depressions and the reconstruction of low dunes and heights. This facilitated wet habitats that can sustain the growth of rare plants and wetland animals. Many birds have already favoured the new large ponds, such as greater white-fronted geese, common pied oystercatcher, Eurasian curlew and spoonbills. Awareness raising outcomes were achieved through a series of information boards, publicity material, events, web content (www.lifenatuurzeno.be). These explained the management requirements for the restored habitat and highlighted linkages with local recreation opportunities. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).