Delivery of Conservation Measures with a focus on Rhododendron ponticum control within the Corraun Plateau, Croaghaun/Slievemore, Glenamoy Bog Complex and Lough Gall Bog SACs in Co Mayo Ref:NCD-CA034

Description

This Call for Tender (CfT) seeks a suitable contractor to further develop multi-actor community-led pilot projects, building on successful preliminary projects in Co. Mayo in 2022 -2025, which seek to develop local capacity to implement ecosystem restoration actions. Although the primary focus will be Rhododendron control, further peatland restoration methods will also be developed and implemented. A key goal is to develop capacity at a local level. The successful contractor will extend the existing Natura Communities initiative to both Achill and Glenamoy areas and deliver training and equipment for approximately six operatives in each area and provide a provisional plan as to the threats and pressures in these respective areas in terms of SSCOs and the indicative costings required to address these. Mapping of the key threats and pressures such as invasive non-native species (particularly Rhododendron ponticum), bare peat areas and drains of up to 11,200 ha within target areas (Corraun Plateau - 3895 ha, Croaghaun/Slievemore – 3484 ha, Glenamoy Bog Complex – 3540 and Lough Gall Bog – 284 ha) will be completed by December, 2025. Rhododendron control of up to 5500 ha within target areas (Corraun Plateau – c.530 ha, Slievemore/Croaghaun – c.1150 ha, Glenamoy Bog Complex –c.3540 ha and Lough Gall Bog – c.284 ha) will be completed by April, 2026. The control programme will be run in collaboration with the local community and relevant stakeholders. A peatland restoration action plan (RAP) for 350 ha at the northern boundary of the Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC will be completed by December, 2025. To showcase peatland restoration methods and identify the most appropriate methodologies for engagement with communities and landowners in ecosystem restoration a number of demonstration days (at least 4) will be organised for local communities and land-owners by November, 2025. This should include the implementation of peatland restoration actions on an area of c.5-10ha in both Achill and Glenamoy. This proposal will work in tandem with other CfTs in Connemara and Donegal to develop a training programme within various communities on peatland restoration methods along the Atlantic seaboard.