Ecological constraints surveys prior to habitat work for capercaillie

Description

The contract will deliver ecological constraints surveys to inform capercaillie habitat works across priority sites. The habitat works comprise robocutting and woodland restructuring. Surveys will identify and map protected species, sensitive habitats and other ecological constraints. Outputs will support safe and compliant delivery of works. The contract forms part of the Capercaillie Emergency Plan and is funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund. Lot 1: The Cairngorms National Park Authority (‘the Park Authority’) invites suitably qualified and experienced organisations to tender for the delivery of ecological constraints walkover surveys and associated reporting. The surveys will identify protected and priority species ahead of a programme of habitat works for capercaillie during autumn/winter 2026–27. Habitat works will take place across multiple landholdings and will include robocutting, chainsaw felling and winching of trees. The surveys will inform the planning and delivery of these works, ensuring they deliver maximum benefit for capercaillie while avoiding or minimising impacts on other important species, habitats and natural features. Many of the proposed work areas are within designated pinewood sites, including SSSIs, SPAs and SACs. This work forms part of the Capercaillie Emergency Plan and is funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund.