Provision of Rhododendron Control for the National Trust for Scotland in Inverewe and Torridon - Phase 2

Tender description

The National Trust for Scotland, wishes to appoint suppliers for the Provision of Rhododendron Control in Inverewe and Torridon - Phase 2 Lot 1: Inverewe Rhododendron ponticum was planted in Inverewe Garden originally to provide wind breaks and shelter for other more sensitive plants to establish. The R. ponticum hybrid is however a highly invasive species that has spread out from Inverewe Garden into woodland and moorland habitat on the Inverewe estate. Many of the large mature bushes out-with the Garden have been controlled with the use of stem treatment so the seed dispersal has now significantly diminished. There is still follow up work to treat the remaining bushes and the scattered seedlings and small bushes that remain in the woodland shelter belt surrounding the Garden. Other species such as gaultheria are also spreading into the woodlands and threaten to invade the ground story of the woodland. Some remaining control work is required in the woodland outside of the garden boundary but the major part of the contract is to control the rhododendron within Inverewe garden itself under the direction of the Head Gardener – Kevin Ball. Lot 2: Torridon Rhododendron ponticum is a highly invasive species that has spread out from core areas within the Torridon estate. This includes the old country estate houses such as Torridon House, but also from private gardens around the villages of Fasag and Inveralligin. The infestation threatens both woodland areas of high value for biodiversity, such as the Inveralligin SSSI, and is also spreading into newly established crofter forest schemes and the open heath habitat. As part of the Wipeout project the NTS aims to control INNS across properties including the Torridon Estate. Phase I of Wipeout has seen approximately 70% control of the invasive rhododendron. Much of the large mature bushed on the NTS ground have already been treated, mainly with the use of stem treatment so the seed dispersal has now been significantly diminished. There remains follow up work to treat the remaining bushes and the scattered seedlings and small bushes that have spread out from the original core areas. A report has been produced following Wipeout 1 to describe the work already completed and the management zones that require work as Wipeout 2 representing this tender.