Environmental improvement works

Tender description

Cornwall’s Goss Moor National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural England, is located south of the A30 between the villages of St. Dennis and Roche. The Moor’s diverse wetland habitats form the upper floodplains of the River Fal. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is designated as part of the EU's Natura 2000 network as a Special area of conservation (SAC). Natural England, through its growing goss project, has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (Priority Axis 6: preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency) to restore this iconic site. Over a 3 year period the project aims to: — re-naturalise the headwaters of the River Fal where historic artificial drains and canalised channels have damaged wetland habitats, — implement sustainable management of invasive willow scrub creating open habitat and corridors connecting mosaics of wetland, wet grassland and wet woodland habitats, — develop capability to deliver conservation grazing to enhance existing areas of open habitat and manage areas of habitat restored through willow scrub clearance, preventing scrub re-growth. This will also re-connect currently isolated patches of open habitat, — provide practical conservation volunteering opportunities for volunteers and improved countryside access trails, including provision of a new access for all trail.