Brodick Country Park Conservation Works

This tender comprises of two lots: Lot 1 – Stock Fence Replacement Replacement of defective sections of stock fencing within two fields in the Castle Parks are required to maintain secure livestock enclosures and support the continued use of conservation grazing as part of the management of the parkland grasslands. Grazing helps maintain the open character of the fields, manage vegetation structure, limit scrub encroachment and contribute to a varied grassland habitat, while retaining the historic pastoral character of the designed landscape.

Works will include the replacement of damaged fence sections, posts, strainers, wire and associated fittings as required, with existing serviceable materials retained where appropriate. Lot 2 – Stem Injection Control for Rhododendron Ponticum Rhododendron (R. ponticum) is a highly invasive non-native species which has colonised semi-natural woodland throughout areas of Brodick Country Park.

The plant was introduced to Brodick Castle Gardens as an ornamental species during Victorian times, when it was also planted in shelter belts and as game cover on the wider estate. Over time, R. ponticum has spread from these original plantings, infesting semi-natural woodland and threatening these areas’ biodiversity.

There is concern that Phytophthora kernoviae (or P. ramorum, currently present on the island) may return to the grounds and threaten the health of native as well as horticultural trees and shrubs, emphasising the high importance of controlling rhododendron, one of its main host species, in the wider estate. This contract forms part of the National Trust for Scotland’s ongoing programme to control and ultimately eradicate rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) from Brodick Country Park.