We applied three different types of restoration measures (once- and twice-a-year mowing, litter removal) in a block experiment over 6 years to test the effects on species density and composition of vascular plants and bryophytes. Species density and composition of both taxonomic groups were significantly influenced by mowing, but not by pure litter removal. Contrary to bryophytes, vascular plant species composition was more strongly influenced by twice-a-year mowing than by annual mowing. We recommend twice-a-year mowing instead of traditional late annual mowing as an initial restoration measure. Since the effect of the standing Molinia crop in our long-abandoned fen turned out to be more detrimental to other plants than accumulated litter, we do not recommend any management that is based on litter removal rather than mowing.