Remote deer management tools

Tender description

The Cairngorms National Park Authority is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced applicant to lead on a collaborative project to develop innovative techniques to remotely manage deer impacts on peatland habitats and peatland restoration sites. Of primary interest is the development of novel deer deterrent technologies. Additionalities include the development of mechanisms to monitor deer impacts on sensitive upland habitats and their associated valuable characteristics, which may include ecological monitoring and remote sensing techniques. Lot 1: The successful tender will be required to work with The Park Authority to deliver the following objectives: 1. Primary – to develop and test innovative techniques to deter Red Deer from vulnerable peatland habitats and peatland restoration sites. 2. Secondary – to monitor deer impacts on peatland habitats and peatland restoration sites. Deliverables 1. Primary - Prototype or product specification for a deer deterrent solution designed to minimise impacts on other species of conservation value, including documented evaluation of potential ecological effects and alternative applications. - Formal collaboration framework or agreement between the Park Authority and technology providers, outlining roles, responsibilities, and shared objectives. - Access to functional deterrent devices, contingent on successful development and deployment, with documented performance testing results. - Comprehensive assessment/project report detailing the capabilities, effectiveness, and potential applications of remote deterrent devices and deployment strategies. Reporting should provide transparent documentation of outcomes, technical developments, and identified limitations. - Stakeholder engagement event (e.g. webinar, talk or event attendance) to share project outcomes, technical developments, and identified limitations with stakeholders, including but not limited to those in the peatland sector. 2. Secondary - Decision-support tools or guidance documents that improve understanding of herbivore impacts and/or habitat condition across Park Authority peatland sites. - Application of Park Authority monitoring procedures via liaison with Park Authority staff to implement monitoring and review survey techniques. - Operational remote sensing system or methodology that enhances monitoring capability for peatland condition and herbivore activity.