Strategic Assessment of the Afforested Peat Resource in Wales

Descriptions

Forestry Commission Wales intends to award a contract for the strategic assessment of the afforested peat resource in Wales. There are four main objectives to this work.1. Provide a definitive (improved) distribution map of the upland blanket peat and deep peat soils resource in Wales at the highest resolution available.2. Provide an appraisal of the existing scientific literature and reviews available on different management approaches to improving the condition of afforested blanket peat and deep peat soils.3. Categorise the afforested peatland resource. Undertake a GIS-based assessment of selected areas of the known afforested deep peat areas of Wales. Identify the biodiversity, GHG flux and hydrological implications of various management approaches for targeting peatland restoration.4. Identify the management options available within discrete sites by application of the rule-based criteria identified. A ‘ground truthing’ element should be included for selected areas which are representative of the range of site types and recommended management options.The value of this contract is expected to be in the region of £15,000 to £25,000 with the Contract commencing in early March 2011 and being completed by the end of July 2011.