Peatland ACTION – Monitoring (RMN) survey framework

Description

The Peatland ACTION Restoration Monitoring Network (RMN) aims to establish a cost effective, repeatable, long term monitoring approach on a subset of sites. The implementation of the RMN as outlined in the statement of requirement will be undertaken through a combination of NatureScot Peatland ACTION staff time and commissioning of contractors to undertake sampling. NatureScot is therefore looking to appoint approximately 10 contractors across Scotland creating a good geographical spread to ensure the efficiency, flexibility and sustainability of any survey work undertaken. The exact number included on the framework will depend on the quantity and quality of tenders received. The primary role of contractors will be to undertake an overall site-level assessment, vegetation quadrat and degradation/restoration feature surveys at multiple sample points per site, and Fixed Point Photography. Details of the draft field protocols are provided in the statement of requirements. The number of sample points is currently estimated to be 30 per site but a power analysis is ongoing to confirm this number ahead of the start of fieldwork. The contractor’s field staff will be required to attend 1 day of training with a Peatland ACTION Monitoring Officer and potentially work alongside Monitoring Officer(s) for part of/all of site surveys. The first pre-restoration surveys on an initial suite of sites are planned to take place from June to October 2023. The number of sites to be visited in 2023 is not currently known but is estimated to be in the region of 10 (5 restoration sites and 5 reference sites), with around 1 week of fieldwork per site. It is anticipated that successful contractors will complete a proportion of these sites based on location and availability. The intention is to continue adding sites to the RMN with an annual programme of surveys and there is the possibility of one-year extensions to this framework contract as required.