Control & eradication of invasive non-native shrubs at five peatland SACs in NI

Tender description

On behalf of the Collaborative Action for the Natura Network (CANN), Ulster Wildlife is seeking to appoint an experienced supplier to remove invasive non-native species from five Special Areas of Conservation (4 active raised bogs and 1 transition mire) in Northern Ireland between 2019 and 2021. The successful tenderer will work closely with UW CANN staff. Contractors should note that, to comply with wildlife legislation, control works are restricted to certain months of the year (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb and, under certain circumstances, Mar). For this contract, the earliest control could start is Jan 2019. In summary we require the supplier to: • Control rhododendron & laurel at designated zones within Peatlands Park Special Area of Conservation as listed in the table below & Appendix A1_NN_InvShrub_PeatlandsPk & Appendix A2_NN_InvShrub-PeatlandsPk_maps and access between 2019 & 2021. Given the degree of invasion at Peatlands Park, we will be expecting 95% control across Zones 1 & 2 only (as detailed in Appendix A1 & A2) by Dec 2021. • Eradicate rhododendron at 4 other Special Areas of Conservation in Counties Derry, Tyrone (2) and Down between 2019 and 2021. Full details are listed in Table 4a of the attached document 1_ITT_NN_InvShrub_CANN_UW10, in Appendix B1_NN_InvShrub_OtherSAC details & Appendix B2_NN_InvShrub-OtherSACs_MapsAndAcess. Given the degree of invasion at these SACs, we will be expecting 100% control by Dec 2021. • Observe closely the conditions of work outlined in this tender & its attachments to ensure there is minimum disturbance to the priority habitats. These conditions (such as time of works, use of biodegradable oils & tracked vehicles) are fully outlined in Appendices A1, A2, B1 & B2 & should be examined closely by contractors wishing to tender for this work.