The project aims at the development of an ecosystem vision for heathlands and forest in the sandy region of Flanders. This vision will be the base for the future policy on nature conser- vation in this area. First, all available abiotic (soils, hydro- logy and land use reconstruction) and biotic (flora, fauna and vegetation) will be studied. These data will be analysed to achieve an overview of the present situation and of the key processes relevant to nature. This will lead to a description of nature (target) types. In the field it can be checked whether or not these types are realised or whether they can be realised. From that two scenario's will be developed: one for an optimal nature conservation in this region and another one giving more current state of nature in the area. Both visions will be evaluated.