The EU-funded project LIFE Nardus & Limosa (LIFE18 NAT/BE/000576) aims to reconnect and restore the remaining heathlands, nutrient-poor grasslands, inland dunes, and ponds of the Campine landscape on a large scale. The goal is to create conditions where meadow birds can thrive, ensuring that their populations are maintained or even increased.

The name LIFE Nardus & Limosa was chosen with care. Nardus stricta refers to the matgrass that still grows on the poor soils of the Campine, while Limosa limosa refers to the black-tailed godwit, an emblematic meadow bird whose population has significantly declined in recent years. The project seeks to reconcile nutrient-poor grasslands and meadow birds by expanding the area of extensive grasslands and creating mosaic landscapes.

Under the coordination of Natuurpunt, the Agency for Nature and Forests, the Brabant Landscape Foundation, and the City of Turnhout are responsible for implementing the on-the-ground restoration efforts. To ensure the most effective nature restoration across the various Natura 2000 areas, the different management works are scientifically guided by the ForNaLab (Laboratory for Forest and Nature) of Ghent University and the Bargerveen Foundation. Eurosite is handling the communication aspect, facilitating networking with other European experts in meadow bird and grassland management.

Ghent University is conducting a detailed abiotic screening to assess the potential for grassland restoration in the four project areas. Additionally, the project includes experiments with the restoration technique known as "phosphorus mining" to restore nutrient-poor grasslands without disturbing nesting meadow birds, using block experiments and dozens of monitoring points throughout the areas.