We present methods suitable for sustainably improving the conservation status of often extensively degraded sandy heathlands or for re-establishing heathland habitats on former sites. In addition to basic management through extensive grazing, the methods include, above all, the removal of woody plants and measures to rejuvenate overaged heather stands by mowing, prescribed burning or choppering. On areas previously used as arable land or intensive grassland, the topsoil must be removed to reduce the nutrient level and target species must then be actively introduced. On large heathland areas, the opportunity should increasingly be grasped to re-develop diversely structured sand heaths in a mosaic with open sand areas, sandy dry grasslands and ecotones in the transition area into grazed forests, ideally by means of an appropriate management mix. For regions with high nutrient inputs, we present the nutrient balances of current conservation measures and outline guidance for the restoration of favourable nutrient conditions. The creation and maintenance of semi-open corridors as links between the currently often isolated heathland sites is a major challenge for the future.