Provision of Ecological advisory services to Louth County Council (at Clogherhead)

Description

Louth County Council, with the support of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan fund, invites proposals for the provision of professional services for conservation assessment, reporting and recommendations for future management of grazing and of visitors on that section of Clogherhead SAC owned and managed by Louth County Council (see map below). Responses are invited from experienced ecological consultants (contractors) with proven experience of managing grazing for biodiversity conservation and also of controlling pressure from recreational visitors. The brief requires detailed, site-specific guidance and recommendations for grazing (commencement, termination and intensity) on a site that is heavily used by walkers, including dog-walkers. Grazing is necessary to maintain the conservation objectives of this site, with a need to ensure that it can take place in a safe manner, with large numbers of visitors around. Description of the work required • Background research followed by inspection, assessment, photography and mapping • Preparation of recommendations regarding grazing intensity and duration, gates, fences • Preparation of recommendations regarding footpaths and public access (gates, stiles etc) • Preparation of recommendations regarding dog walking (in relation to grazing) • Preparation of recommendations regarding litter, waste, picnicking, vandalism • Community and landowner liaison (one day/evening only, if COVID-19 permits) • Recommendations in relation to signage, way-marking and interpretation, particularly in relation to avoiding conflict between recreational users and grazing cattle