Background The Swabian Danube valley is a large, originally open fen and fluvial landscape, but agricultural land use is intensifying in the area, in particular through the conversion of meadows into arable fields, and site hydrology is being disturbed by drainage and faster discharge of water. The “Donauried” project area is also located in the midst of the central European bird migration flyway (south-western route). Because of the low density of suitable stop-over and wintering areas in southern Central Europe, it is therefore of outstanding conservation importance. Objectives The project, which started in October 2006, aimed at the improvement of this internationally important bird sanctuary by conserving, improving and restoring the breeding and foraging habitats of 43 species listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive and by improving the foraging, stop-over and wintering habitats for numerous migratory bird species. Main activities were to create open water areas as well as wet depressions, to come to an open landscape and to reduce disturbance by providing visitor guidance. Main actions involved: Planned measures would include the purchase of 24 ha and the creation of suitable habitats (flooding areas, shallow ponds) on 35 ha. Within a second focal point “ditches” measures to improve the hydrological situation (damming up) and the suitability as foraging habitat (eg. flattening of banks) would be implemented on 31 kilometres. Finally, a public relations’ campaign would be carried out in order to gain support for the screening off of especially vulnerable areas and in informing the public about the project. Various other PR measures would be carried out including the development of educational trails, observation posts, information boards and leaflets and guided tours. Key expected results: Stabilisation and, if possible, enlargement of breeding and stop-over populations of typical bird species listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive – notably Alcedo atthis, Ardea purpurea, Asio flammeus, Botaurus stellaris (a priority species), Chlidonias niger, Ciconia ciconia, Circus aeruginosus, Circus cyaneus, Circus pyrargus, Crex crex (a priority species), Cygnus cygnus, Egretta alba, Erithacus cyanecula, Falco columbarius, Falco peregrinus, Gavia arctica, Ixobrychus minutus, Lanius collurio, Milvus migrans, Milvus milvus, Pernis apivorus and Porzana porzana; Conservation and, if possible, enlargement of breeding and stop-over populations of migratory bird species – especially of species breeding on grassland (eg. Numenius arquata) and of migratory waders and waterfowl – and the creation of 35 ha of habitat especially suited for these bird species; Remodelling and development of ditches on 31 km as habitat for relevant bird species; Initiation of the development of at least 7 ha as bird habitats according to the Annex I of the Habitats Directive; Realisation of a concept to screen-off especially sensitive bird habitats from visitors.Results On the whole, the measures were implemented as planned and the main project objectives were successfully reached. Over 26 ha of land was purchased, more than 14 km of ditches and an area of some 40 ha were improved (creation of shallow water areas) for birdlife – providing a positive impact over a much larger area. Moreover, some 50 ha were rewetted. The project achieved, a halt in the decline of typical and endangered bird populations. The newly designed areas were accepted immediately by the target species. Attractive facilities for visitor guidance were implemented. These included six observation towers, one observation hut and three nature trails with interactive elements and information boards. These now provide opportunities to promote the protection of habitats and of the European Natura 2000 network. Finally, with more than 20 local partners (mainly public bodies) involved, the project is well positioned to continue its activities after project closure. An after-LIFE conservation plan will help continue the project's results through recurring management, the maintenance of existing structures and the visitor guidance facilities and by the implementation of additional measures. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).