This project in Germany focuses on the Große Laber case-study region, which is characterised by intensive agriculture, a high number of livestock and increasing tourism. It includes actions along 40 km of the catchment area, covering approximately 65 km² (6,500 hectares). The area includes the Niedermoor südlich Niederleierndorf Nature Reserve and will connect two other protected areas.

The two other main protected areas along the river are:

• The meadow bird breeding area Labertal bei Langquaid (Störche im Labertal), a nature reserve considered one of the priority areas for supporting meadow birds such as the northern lapwing and the Eurasian curlew of Bavaria
• The lower course of the Laber, in the districts of Kelheim and Regensburg, protected as an FFH area 7138 372 Tal der Großen Laber zwischen Sandsbach und Unterdeggenbach” (valley of the Große Laber between Sandsbach and Unterdeggenbach)

This area hosts important wetlands and peatlands now under stress due to climate change, as well as species that are highly threatened in Bavaria. These include the Eurasian curlew, northern lapwing, meadow pipit, common snipe, white stork, creeping marshwort, weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis), and freshwater pearl mussel.

The Biotope Network Grosse Laber project's overarching vision is to create a resilient, interconnected network of natural habitats, enhancing biodiversity and restoring ecological function across the Grosse Laber valley, in the Kelheim and Regensburg districts, along a 40km key ecological corridor. By implementing a diverse range of targeted initiatives, from species specific monitoring to large scale habitat restoration and revitalisation, the project is achieving measurable progress toward this critical environmental goal.

The following sections provide a high level summary of just a selection of the many ongoing actions:

Regensburg District: Monitoring and Ecological Restoration

• Tree Frog Monitoring & Habitat Optimization

Extensive monitoring across seven water bodies between March andJuly 2025 revealed by September a limited presence of common amphibians and confirmed the critical absence of the target Tree Frog species, Hyla arborea. This underscores the urgent need for habitat optimisation measures planned for winter 2025 and 26, including the construction of artificial amphibian ponds and frost proof winter retreats.

• Improvement of Watercourses

Targeted structural improvements were executed through coordinated action, including the planting of over 250 willow cuttings between March and April 2025 and the installation of gravel beds and rootstocks from April to July 2025. By the end of October 2025, these efforts had upgraded nearly 5 km of the Grosse Laber over a 10km stretch  and created two new gravel spawning grounds.

Kelheim District: Conservation Triumphs

• Rewetting Bog Land Area

Following spring 2025 feasibility studies and official approval, a key intervention was executed in September 2025 with the digging of a shallow trench, allowing water to flow back into the Niederleierndorf Nature Reserve bog. This intervention has enabled the rewetting and restoration of up to 3.8 hectares.

• Cattle Grazing and Labertal Ox Initiative 

Efforts launched in April 2025 successfully expanded extensive cattle grazing, with coordination and the development of tailored grazing plans addressing ecological needs, such as the protection of the meadow pipit. The accompanying Labertal Ox initiative made it public debut in July 2025, linking conservation efforts with the promotion of extensive and sustainable grazing to preserve biodiversity in rural landscapes.