Background The Monticchie nature reserve is a proposed site of community interest in a network of protected areas close to the Po river, in northern Italy (Lombardy). The area, originally marsh but reclaimed over the centuries, is now characterised by riparian vegetation, including 19 ha of the priority habitat, and the common alder (Alnus glutinosa incanae). There are also a number of springs and canals, home to several species of community interest, including the Italian agile frog, the Italian crested newt, the European pond turtle and the spined loach, as well as some invertebrates, such as the white-clawed crayfish and large copper butterfly. The area has been also proposed for designation as a special protection area for birds, due to the presence of several hundred breeding pairs of little egret (Egretta garzetta) and night heron (Nycticorax nyctorax), in addition to a few pairs of grey heron (Ardea cinerea) and cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis). Most disturbances are the result of intensive agriculture surrounding the reserve which creates numerous problems, in particular splitting up of the habitat, reduced water availability and water pollution. Amphibians and reptiles on the site are also threatened by lack of breeding sites, human disturbance and road traffic. Objectives The project aimed to extend the area of alluvial forests with common alders. The condition of the forest was also to be improved in order to provide additional nesting and resting opportunities for the little egret and night heron. This would be achieved through selective cutting of exotic species and planting of indigenous trees. Other proposed measures included renting land, specific agreements with landowners and compensation for damage caused by herons on fish farms. In order to guarantee the conservation of other small vertebrates and invertebrates both aquatic and terrestrial, the project aimed to create hedges to serve as ecological corridors along cultivated fields and to improve the general management and restoration of water bodies, canals and springs restoration. Control of coypus, construction of shelters and barriers to reduce roadkills were also planned. All activities would be monitored. An information campaign supported by the production of various educational tools such as booklets, leaflets, maps, panels and a website was also foreseen to raise awareness among stakeholders and the general public. One kilometre of paths with an observation point for visitors was also planned. Results The project succeeded in encouraging farmers to adopt more sustainable practices for the management of the agricultural lands around the SCI. A key result of the measures to improve the quality of the habitats in the SCI was the conservation of old trees as a suitable habitat for woodpeckers. Other habitats in the SCI that benefited from interventions performed as part of the project included: alluvial forest Alnion glutinoso-incanae; mixed forests of Quercus, Ulmus and Fraxinus along the big river; natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or hydrocharition-type vegetation; water courses of plain with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation. Hydraulic intervention improved the quality of the water. In addition to measures to improve the existing channel network, new wetland areas were created. Preliminary results of the project’s activities to conserve endangered bird species have been presented at two scientific meetings. The results showed stable or positive population trends of the birds targeted by the project. The presence of birds of prey was also fostered.