Fence removal on Dorback Estate and the boundary of Abernethy Nature Reserve

Description

The Cairngorms National Park Authority, on behalf of the RSPB and Oxygen Conservation, the respective owners of Abernethy Nature Reserve and Dorback Estate, invite suitably qualified and experienced organisations to submit a tender for the removal and dismantling of existing fencing and the installation of new stock fencing on Dorback Estate and the boundary of Abernethy Nature Reserve. Lot 1: Significant progress has been made over recent years to mark and remove deer fences across key capercaillie areas. However, older or redundant fences still remain, posing a collision risk for capercaillie, particularly when young birds are moving away from their breeding areas. When the birds collide with fences it can be fatal and limits their ability to expand into new habitat. Carefully removing remaining sections of fencing reduces this risk and improves habitat connectivity. Contractors play a vital role in this work - applying their expertise to ensure fences are removed efficiently, safely, and with care for the surrounding environment. This collaboration is key to achieving the best outcomes for nature in the National Park. Drum Wood (Carn na Loinne) on Dorback Estate is a Caledonian pinewood extending into the Abernethy Nature Reserve. While capercaillie have used Drum Wood in the past, conditions have declined, making it less suitable for the species. Now, with a growing capercaillie population in neighbouring Abernethy and habitat improvements planned in Drum Wood, including the removal of a fence that runs through the middle of the wood, there is strong potential for capercaillie to return to Dorback Estate. The Cairngorms National Park Authority is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced contractor to remove the sections of fence shown in Figure 1 on page 7 on ITT Brief. This work is being delivered as part of the Capercaillie Emergency Plan and funded through the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund. The works can commence as soon as a contractor is appointed and all works must be completed by 31 March 2026 at the latest, in readiness for the next capercaillie breeding season.