This research aims at a hydro-ecological characterisation of an area of more than 800 ha N of Leuven. In hydrologically autonomic areas an assessment is made of the actual and a more natural hydrological situation. This enables to determine the actual situation in terms of groundwater levels, inundation dynamics and vegetation. A similar exercise is done for a desired situation. Additionally the feasibility, the persistence, the necessary measures and the implications on the current land use are evaluated. The project is integrated within a GIS-environment.