This specific project in Germany aims to intervene in 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 its catchment area, in a zone covering approximately 65 km² (6,500 hectares), which includes the Niedermoor südlich Niederleierndorf Nature Reserve and would 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, is protected as an FFH area (Fauna, Flora, Habitat) 7138-372 “Tal der Großen Laber zwischen Sandsbach und Unterdeggenbach” (valley of the Große Laber between Sandsbach and Unterdeggenbach).

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

The Biotope Network Grosse Laber project overarching vision is to forge 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 portfolio of targeted initiatives (from species-specific monitoring and following large-scale habitat restoration and revitalization) 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 (March–July 2025) revealed by September 2025 a limited presence of common amphibians and confirmed the critical absence of the target Tree Frog species (Hyla arborea), underscoring the urgent need for habitat optimization measures planned for winter 2025/26, 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 successful planting of over 250 willow cuttings (March–April 2025) and the installation of gravel beds and rootstocks (April–July 2025), resulting by end of October 2025 in the ecological upgrade of nearly 5 km of the Grosse Laber on a stretch of 10km and the creation of two new gravel spawning grounds.

Kelheim District: Conservation Triumphs

– Rewetting Bog Land Area: Following spring 2025 feasibility studies and official approval, a key intervention (the successful digging of a shallow trench in September 2025) was executed, which now allows water to flow back into the Niederleierndorf Nature Reserve bog, demonstrably enabling the rewetting and restoration of up to 3.8 hectares.

– Cattle Grazing / “Labertal Ox”: Efforts launched in April 2025 successfully expanded extensive cattle grazing, involving coordination, the development of tailored grazing concepts (addressing ecological needs like the protection of the meadow pipit), while the accompanying "Labertal Ox" initiative successfully debuted publicly in July 2025, powerfully linking conservation efforts with the promotion of extensive and sustainable grazing to preserve biodiversity in rural landscapes.