The aim of this research is to propose a series of suitable measures regarding management and habitat restoration in the “Mechelse Heide” area (Belgium, Limburg) focusing on particular rare and threatened butterfly species. Regional recovery programs are made for the Silver-studded Blue (Plebeius argus), the Grayling (Hipparchia semele), the Silver-spotted Skipper (Hesperia comma), the Green Hairstreak (Callophris rubi), the Ilex Hairstreak (Satyrium ilicis), the Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia) and the Mazarine Blue (Polyommatus semiargus). For this purpose, populations and (potential) habitats are surveyed (including the matrix surrounding habitat patches) and additional field data and relevant ecological literature are collected. For three species that went extinct in the area (the Alcon Blue Maculinea alcon, the Large Heath Coenonympha tullia, and the Idas Blue Plebeius idas) the project deals with the possibility of re-introduction. Finally, additional distributional data on the Chequered Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon), the White Admiral (Limenitis camilla), the Purple Emperor (Apatura iris) and the Large Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros) are collected in order to have a better estimate of their local status.