AESME Lot 9: What is the impact of AES on the quality of ecological connectivity?

Tender description

The aim of this project is to assess the extent to which agri-environment schemes effect quality within ecological networks. The specific objectives of this project are to: 1. Revise the relationships between options, habitats and mobile species in terms of functional connectivity, building on the findings of previous projects LM04100 and LM0448. 2. Identify suitable study areas and focal species and construct a land cover spatial dataset to support connectivity modelling and field survey work. 3. Develop and agree survey protocols and undertake field surveys to assess habitat quality in relation to focal species connectivity and AES option implementation. 4. Test the connectivity modelling assumptions from LM04100 to identify methodological improvements. 5. Calculate connectivity metrics for different landscape scenarios and make comparisons with field-based cost layers. Additional information: Please note that Defra procurement uses an E-tendering system for Procurement activities. This is currently provided by Bravo Solutions. To access appropriate tendering and contractual documents, please access the E-Tendering portal at https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk, ensuring that your registration includes "Defra". If you have any problems with this system, please contact Bravo on their telephone helpline number 0800 368 4850 or by emailing them at help@bravosolution.co.uk.