Creeping marshwort (Apium repens) is a rare species listed in the European Habitat Directive in Annex II and IV. Its presence and trend in Belgium and in the Netherlands is shortly presented, as well as its ecology. This species is very sensitive to grazing or mowing as well as to the soil water management. A discussion is developed on how the optimal management can be achieved by Natura 2000, based on the experiences that the authors have had with the management of the sites with the species