RSPB Scotland: Orkney Peatland Restoration, Black Moss 2025-26

Tender description

Tender For The Supply Of Peatland Restoration Works On Black Moss Of Evrigert, Orkney Mainland, 2025-2026 Lot 1: Scotland’s peatlands represent a significant carbon store, but large areas are degraded, often as result of historic patterns of land management. Degraded peatlands can release carbon thus contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Peatland restoration is undertaken to improve the condition of peatlands, which has a net positive effect on the carbon balance of the site (whether slowing losses or promoting gains) and improves the condition of the habitat for our upland species like Curlew and Dunlin. The identified restoration area at Black Moss of Evrigert is located within the southern part of the Birsay Moors RSPB Reserve which spans just over 1300ha of predominantly bog, mire and heathland habitats. The site is also part of West Mainland Moorlands SSSI and Orkney Mainland Moors SPA which recognise Birsay Moors’ importance for breeding Hen Harrier, Red-Throated Diver and Short Eared Owl as well as bog plant communities. It is anticipated that work will be undertaken on the Black Moss Phase 1 site between September 2025 and March 2026. The Black Moss Phase 1 site has been subjected to extensive peat cutting historically, which comprises a significant proportion of the restoration required on site. Other restoration required involves the reprofiling and damming of gullies/drainage features, and the reprofiling of peat hags. Peatland restoration was undertaken on approximately 28 hectares of the Black Moss Phase 1 site in September and October 2024, focused on both eastern and southern corners of the site (Annex 5). Restoring these features will improve the resilience and overall condition of the habitat making it better able to support a range of wildlife and be able to cope with changing weather patterns linked to climate change. The site boundary for the restoration area is approximately 146 ha in size. The work will be procured on a treatment basis which includes machine days, hand labour days and the supply of materials where needed. The site has been assessed and requires a combination of work using machinery of appropriate size on extra-wide low ground pressure tracks for peat and mineral-based techniques, and manual/machine construction of wooden/composite dams. A range of techniques will be employed to treat the features across the sites, these are outlined below. It is anticipated that machine work will be the preference, although there are some areas that may require hand work for the instillation of dams. Required materials will be moved onto site with a suitable ATV.