Background The invasive alien plant species (IAS), Ailanthus altissima (commonly known as tree of heaven, or ailanthus), is one of the most harmful and widespread invasive tree species in Europe. First brought to Europe from China in the 1740s, in recent years the rapidly growing deciduous tree has spread quickly in Italy, especially in the Alta Murgia National Park (located in the south of the country), where it has given rise to changes in ecosystem structures and is replacing and altering native plant communities of considerable conservation value, causing natural habitat loss and degradation. Objectives The project aims to control and then eradicate the invasive exotic tree species, Ailanthus altissima, from the Alta Murgia National Park – a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) within the EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Expected results: The eradication of the IAS A. altissima from the park (68 077 ha), with many positive consequences; An improvement in the conservation status of natural valuable ecosystems and habitats, most of which have EU priority status, and include valuable flora and fauna species, as a result of the eradication of the park’s worst IAS; An effective, innovative, eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for the eradication and control of ailanthus and other woody IAS, which increases efficacy and minimises herbicide use to low volume stem application techniques; The protection of the environment and human health from risks and impacts posed by exposure to herbicides; A reduction in the negative impact, and the risk of diffusion, of the park’s most threatening IAS; An infestation map of the park; An increase in stakeholder and public awareness and knowledge about the project and its results through: a website, illustrating the project objectives, activities and issues; five seminars on specific themes and one final conference; two information brochures; four information boards; four congress participations; four scientific publications; five field training days; two booklets; a layman’s report; and media relations.