Peatland restoration; RSPB Lumbister, Shetland 2024

Description

Tender For The Supply Of Peatland Restoration Works at RSPB Lumbister, Yell, Shetland. Restoration will involve large lengths of ditch blocking, predominantly with peat dams, as well as reprofiling of ditches and hags which show evidence of erosion. In a limited number of cases ground truthing has revealed the requirement for alternative dam types including plastic, timber or coir dams. There are also small areas of micro-erosion that require tracking over or tamping down and strategic damming Lot 1: RSPB Scotland Lumbister is a 1,587-hectare nature reserve in Yell, one of Shetland’s northern isles, with over half of the site designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA). These designations recognise the internationally important blanket bog habitat present across Lumbister. Significant areas of Lumbister have been drained in the past for agriculture, and have also suffered from overstocking with livestock. Scotland’s peatlands represent one of the most significant carbon stores, but large areas are degraded often as result of historic patterns of land management. Degraded peatlands release carbon thus contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect. In light of this, the RSPB has been undertaking peatland restoration at Lumbister since 2021 and we are now looking to continue this work over the coming years. The restoration work included in this invitation to tender is Phase 2 Y2 of a 61.5ha section of peatland restoration works. There has been an initial season of work in this area, the features which have been restored are interspersed with features which have not been completed. The focus of the upcoming work will cover 61.5ha, this will encompass, both work on newly ground truthed features and finishing working on features which have been started but not completed. We are not requiring the contractor to undertake work on any completed restoration features. Therefore, this is not included in the maps provided with this tender. There will be further new works undertaken to other areas of the site in future years. Restoration will involve large lengths of ditch blocking, predominantly with peat dams, as well as reprofiling of ditches and hags which show evidence of erosion. In a limited number of cases ground truthing has revealed the requirement for alternative dam types including plastic, timber or coir dams. There are also small areas of micro-erosion that require tracking over or tamping down and strategic damming. This work will enhance and improve site conditions and promote the recovery of healthy blanket bog and will allow overall improvements to biodiversity. The site requires a combination of work using a range of machinery, of appropriate size, low ground pressure tracks are essential and bog mats will likely be required in some areas. The construction of plastic, timber and coir dams will require a combination of machinery and hand work. We have chosen a variety of restoration techniques which are set out in the below specification. The supplier will be expected to use their expertise in peatland restoration to adjust restoration techniques if the ground conditions or machine access require it. RSPB site staff will be present on site regularly, allowing opportunity to discuss proposed adjustments. Detailed maps and restoration methodologies are included with this tender package. We are happy to receive questions from contractors regarding the works and in the interest of fairness all questions and answers will be made available to all contractors via Public Contracts Scotland.