The clear demarcation of forest and agricultural land is common and legally established, yet it is highly artificial. Grazing of the forest-pasture ecotone – the transition zone between forest and pasture – was practiced until the 19th century and created biodiversity-rich landscapes. Re-establishing this habitat has the potential to combat biodiversity loss, promote animal welfare, and reduce costs for farmers. Importantly, public funds, currently used to create such biodiverse transition zones using machines, could be allocated more efficiently. ForPast investigates in a holistic, interdisciplinary and bi-national approach (Swedish-Swiss joint ‘Weave’-Call) how grazing of forest-pasture ecotones improves biodiversity, landscape structure and rural economy while ensuring wood production, animal welfare, and meat quality requirements. It covers all key aspects to evaluate grazing of forest-pasture ecotones for rapid implementation in practice.