Beaver management advice

Tender description

XXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx NatureScot is looking to continue and expand the beaver management advisory service we offer in Tayside and in other catchments as the need arises as beavers expand their range. We wish to establish a framework agreement with a number of suppliers that have the necessary skills and expertise to provide advice and to carry out a range of associated services; and to grow this expertise with a view to beaver mitigation becoming more established within recognised wildlife/land management approaches. It is anticipated that suppliers may be able to develop their skill sets via their involvement in this work. Suppliers may wish to tender for some or all aspects of this work either individually or working with others in order to offer the services detailed. Only those assessed to be suitably qualified will be appointed to the framework. Clients needing advice might include land managers and owners, utility providers, local authorities and householders. The framework agreement will include a range of advisory and associated services to facilitate new management approaches which mitigate beaver impacts. The key objectives are to: o Advise NatureScot and clients on techniques and options open to them to lawfully manage the impacts of beaver activity on their land; particularly techniques which are broader in their application than traditional beaver mitigation (tree wrapping, flow devices etc.) and are commonly used in wider land management approaches. o Following an agreed approach with the land manager and NatureScot, survey, report on and apply for funding where necessary to implement new management approaches which can mitigate beaver impacts. All advice given whether by telephone, during a site visit, or in writing, must be recorded on a ‘beaver casework report form’. This form must be emailed to the Nominated Officer within two days of the advice request. The main purpose of this framework agreement is to provide site-specific advice to clients and NatureScot licensing and species advisors where beaver activities are impacting on human land use with a view to informing management changes. It is expected that most requests will relate to the Tayside (Tay, Earn, Isla) and Forth catchments, but there may be requests from elsewhere in Scotland as the population disperses and expands. Provide advisory support on three aspects; 1. Agri-environment (AECS and other Grant schemes such as FGS as appropriate) 2. Natural Capital assessments 3. Site specific drainage advice