REQUEST FOR QUOTATION - Peatland Restoration at Black Bog ASSI Co, Tyrone

Ulster Wildlife is seeking to appoint an experienced contractor to carry out the works listed below.

• Construction of peat dams at predetermined locations across Black Bog ASSI
• Construction of peat bunds at predetermined locations across Black Bog ASSI
• Any ancillary works required to carry out the works outlined above.

Black Bog ASSI is one of the best examples of active raised bog habitat in NI and one of the areas that still retains a natural lagg along the southern edge parallel with the Owenreagh River. The site lies in the southern edge of the Sperrins AONB and within the Beaghmore Moors and Marsh landscape character area. The site is a mix of both private ownership and government ownership in the form of Forest Service Northern Ireland (FSNI).

While the site is one of the best examples of this habitat in NI it has still undergone modification in the past which will be having an impact on the habitats and species. There are numerous drainage channels across the bog which will be lowering the water table and inhibiting peat forming conditions and the associated active raised bog vegetation. There are also a number of areas of historical peat cutting particularly along the western side of the site which again have negatively impacted the sites hydrological regime and therefore its habitats and species. A significant area in the north of the site was drained close to the time of designation however, NIEA in cooperation with the landowner blocked these drainage channels using peat dams along as well as blocking a large drain in the south east of the site on FSNI land.

In 2020-22 Ulster Wildlife worked with RPS Ireland to develop a restoration plan for Black Bog SAC which has formed the basis for this contract.