REQUEST FOR QUOTATION - Peatland Restoration works on Cranny Bogs SAC, Co Tyrone

Ulster Wildlife is seeking to appoint an experienced contractor to carry out the peatland restoration works listed below:

• Construction of peat dams at predetermined locations across Cranny Bogs SAC
• Construction of peat bunds at predetermined locations across Cranny Bogs SAC
• Any ancillary works required to carry out the works outlined above including tree and scrub clearance.

Many of the areas of Cranny bogs periphery have been cutover in the past and as a result have developed unfavourable vegetation dominated by purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), bog myrtle (Myrica gale) and both immature and more established scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and silver birch (Betula pendula).

The aim of this contract is to use peat dams to block lower priority drains in the cutover and high bog edge as well as bunding in key areas of cutover based on flowpaths derived from the LiDAR imagery. These peat dams will raise the water table in the same way that existing dams have and the cell bunding will create shallow pools of water within the cutover areas. This will improve conditions for sphagnum species and cotton grasses and hinder the growth and persistence of purple moor grass and scrub.

Operators will be expected to observe closely the conditions of work outlined in this tender and its attachments to ensure there is minimum disturbance to the priority habitats. Conditions (such as time of works, use of biodegradable oils and tracked vehicles) are fully outlined in Section 3 of the ITT and should be examined closely by contractors wishing to tender for this work.