Conifer removal on Berwyn SSSI

Description

Healthy peatlands provide a range of important benefits; they store huge amounts of carbon, reduce flood risk, and provide habitat for wildlife and stunning landscapes for people to enjoy. However, many peatlands in the UK are in poor condition, with an estimated 80% of peatlands in Wales in ‘unfavourable condition’. Therefore, it is important that they are restored to a healthy state that enables them to provide for society in the long term. The Site is part of the Berwyn site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and is designated in part for blanket bog habitats and European dry heath. The blanket bog is currently in the process of drying out due to excessive ingress of non-native conifers such as sika spruce. This is also affecting the condition of the dry heath. The aim of the works is to restore the habitat by removing the non-native trees but leaving the native conifers and broadleaf. It is hoped this work will repair the blanket bog, reduce predation of ground-nesting birds, and create a feathered edge to the forestry through the native trees. RSPB Cymru is looking to appoint a contractor to undertake habitat management works to restore the blanket bog and dry heath by removing conifers from the open moorland (more than 200 meters from the forestry edges) in accordance with the requirements outlined in this document.