The Elbe river alluvial plain at Lenzen (Lenzener Elbtalaue) contains habitat types and complexes characteristic of the alluvial plains of the Middle Elbe river. The presence of these habitats, the high potential for the development of large-scale near-natural riparian woodlands and the high potential for the creation of additional floodable lands for flood control give this area representative significance for the nation as a whole.

The aim of the project is the recreation of the alluvial floodplain landscape characterized by an undisturbed flooding regime. This is to be achieved by moving the dike back inland to enlarge the enclosed area by about 400 ha; this work will be carried out in the context of a pending dike renovation. In the new foreland the share of lower and, in particular, upper riparian woodland is to be significantly increased. The newly developing habitat complexes will benefit a number of species including beavers (Castor fiber), corncrakes (Crex crex), garganeys (Anas querquedula), European fire-bellied toads (Bombina bombina), European tree frogs (Hyla arborea) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla).

The "Lenzener Elbtalaue" large-scale conservation project will be implemented in two phases, and will be carried out in an exemplary cooperative effort by authorities in charge of water resources development and nature conservation respectively. In Phase I the management plan for the project area will be drawn up and the planning for the relocation of the dike away from the river will be carried out. Phase II will see the implementation of the planned measures such as land purchases, the redemption of leases, the moving back of the dikes and other habitat management measures.