Wildlife Nature Conservancy Services at Cadw Sites

Descriptions

BackgroundCadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, with statutory responsibilities for the protection of the Welsh historic environment and for the conservation and provision of public access to the 129 monuments in State care. These monuments include some of the greatest heritage sites in the world, ranging from great castles to individual standing stones and from substantial industrial sites to humble workers’ dwellings. The monuments are located across Wales in urban, rural and sometimes very remote locations. Few of the sites are habitable but in many cases a variety of wildlife and vegetation has taken up residence over the years.While Cadw’s remit is focused upon the conservation and promotion of public understanding of the historic environment, it is required to have due regard to the provision of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, when planning and implementing any works on its sites. It is also committed to enhancing the diversity of flora and fauna at its sites where this is not detrimental to the conservation of the historic fabric. Cadw is also interested in developing interpretation and learning provision at its sites which introduces its visitors to the natural heritage as well as historical value of its sites.Cadw’s requirementsCadw is seeking to work with suitably qualified organisations to:(1)develop a methodology for managing the biodiversity of its sites;(2)undertake actions at nominated sites to enhance their habitat quality and wildlife benefit;(3)increase Cadw staff’s awareness and understanding of diversity and habitat management;(4)increase the awareness and understanding of wildlife and biodiversity for Cadw visitors.Cadw will work with the organisations to develop locally relevant programmes of activity over a three year period from 1 April 2014, to include:• site visits and assessments;• species surveys• community and lifelong learning events;• input to Cadw site interpretation and learning resources;• biodiversity plans and input to Cadw site management plans;• training and briefing sessions for Cadw staff;• collaborative volunteer recruitment and training with Cadw.• evaluation of public and biodiversity benefit.The benefits for the participating organisations will be:• raising the profile of the organisation and its work to new audiences;• the potential to develop external funding applications in partnership with Cadwand using Cadw resources as match funding;• enhanced biodiversity at more sites in a locality;• an opportunity to develop integrated learning resources and to deliverintegrated learning events for schools and families;• an opportunity to recruit new volunteers, members and to raise funds and tosignpost potential visitors to its own sites and events;• access to Cadw’s expertise in archaeology, building history and landscapeheritage;• payment for expert services and advice.Cadw is seeking expressions of interest from organisations which have a commitment to wildlife and nature conservancy and a staff or volunteer resource with the skills and expertise to deliver the specified functions. Cadw is prepared to discuss the scale and scope of such activities with interested organisations and is prepared to pilot the activity in a few key areas or sites. As a minimum, Cadw wishes to work at the following sites from 2014:• Caerphilly Castle• Llanmelin Hillfort, near Caerwent• Coity Castle, near Bridgend• Laugharne Castle• Dolforwyn Castle, PowysFor further information about Cadw, visit our website - http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/splash?orig=/NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=6206.