SPU CO35-2021 - Reassessment of selected woodland sites 2021-2022

Descriptions

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is seeking quotes from interested parties to complete a reassessment of the conservation value of selected undesignated woodland sites from 2021-2022, with a view to their legal protection. Tenders are invited from suitably qualified consultants to conduct targeted resurveys of 13 woodland sites, establish baseline monitoring, reassess the conservation value of the sites, and, where appropriate, to prepare the documentation and maps required for the consideration of these woodlands for protection under national legislation.The Programme for Government states, “We will … review the protection (including enforcement of relevant legislation) of our natural heritage, including hedgerows, native woodland and wetlands”. The National Survey of Native Woodlands (NSNW; Perrin et al. 2008) was undertaken from 2003-2008. It covered 1,320 sites, representing the range of native woodland diversity in Ireland. These sites were surveyed, described and classified, and their boundaries and habitats were mapped. Following a selection process, based on the NSNW and further assessments, a suite of 13 undesignated woodlands have been selected. It is now necessary to conduct targeted resurveys, establish baseline monitoring, reassess the conservation value of these sites, and, where appropriate, compile, update and/or digitise the necessary documents and maps required for the consideration of these woodlands for designation as NHAs. See RfT document.