The archipelago of Mälaren is one of Sweden’s most valuable regions for broadleaved woodlands, with oaks and the other old trees growing in a semi-open habitat. The changes in management during the 20th century have caused a severe decline in habitat quality and is an overall threat to the flora and fauna in the region, particularly on islands where the basis for management due to infrastructural and economic complications are more difficult than for the mainland. The main aim of the project is is to create the right conditions for the long term conservation of the habitat types and associated species that are in great need of management in all 42 Natura 2000 sites included in the project by minimizing the following threats:

• Invasion of young Picea abies vegetation in forested habitats
• Modern farming and insufficient grazing/mowing resulting in the areas becoming overgrown
• Disturbance of flora and fauna due to a lack of information/knowledge and/or insufficient management of visitors
• Tussock formation on managed wetlands and homogenization of reed beds
• Lack of trees for the future and a reduced lifespan for old pollards