Mid Cornwall Moors NVC and Condition Assessment Survey 2015

Tender description

Defra procuring on behalf of Natural England. Natural England is seeking to commission a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey of defined areas within the Mid Cornwall Moors, to provide a sound evidence base for the proposed SSSI notification of key areas of semi-natural habitat. In addition the survey contract will also require Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) of SSSI qualifying habitats within the survey areas. The objective of this project is for the contractor to undertake an NVC survey of the defined survey areas (shaded blue) shown in the maps at Annex 1 and Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) of SSSI qualifying habitats within the survey area. The total survey area is approximately 433 ha. This is to provide baseline data on the extent, location and condition of each notified feature. The project also requires collection of some additional information on ecohydrological features and records of boundary features. The survey data gathered under this contract will be used by Natural England in the identification and selection of additional areas of land which fulfil SSSI selection criteria and to inform revisions to existing SSSI boundaries and subsequently to extend the boundary of the existing Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The selected sites will be amalgamated to form a single Mid Cornwall Moors proposed SSSI for submission to the Natural England Executive Board for their approval to notify as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).