Illtyd Pools SSSI Tree and Molinia Management Works 2026-27

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority is seeking quotations from suitably experienced contractors to undertake habitat restoration works within the Traeth Mawr and Blaencamlais portions of Illtyd Pools SSSI. The works are intended to reduce the impact of encroaching trees and purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea) on designated wetland, mire and bog habitats.

The successful Contractor will be required to undertake at least one pre-work site visit with the client and landowners before works commence. The purpose of the visit will be to confirm site access, identify and agree the detailed actions to be undertaken, identify sensitive areas, agree working methods, and map the specific treatment areas, access routes, dip wells, extraction routes, staging areas and any exclusion zones.

The Contractor must provide a simple pre-works map or annotated plan showing the agreed work areas and operational constraints. This must be agreed with the client and landowners before works begin.

Prices should include labour, machinery, mobilisation, access arrangements, materials, supervision, health and safety provision, environmental protection measures, waste handling, and any assumptions or exclusions. Component 1: Felling Trees on Traeth Mawr Fell trees identified for removal from the Traeth Mawr section of Illtyd Pools SSSI.

Larger trees are expected to be cut approximately 10 cm above ground level using electric chainsaws or chainsaws using biofuels. Smaller trees and saplings may be removed using low-impact methods such as hand tools, tree poppers or other appropriate equipment agreed with the client.

Small trees may be removed as part of the Molinia management strategy if deemed appropriate. Component 2: Immediate Ecoplug Treatment of Cut Stumps on Traeth Mawr Apply Ecoplugs to cut tree stumps immediately after felling, at the recommended dose for the stump diameter.

Treatment must be undertaken in accordance with manufacturer guidance, relevant pesticide legislation, operator certification requirements and all environmental safeguards appropriate to an SSSI and peatland setting. Component 3: Removal, Extraction and Chipping of Felled Trees from Traeth Mawr Remove felled woody material from the bog using low-impact methods and the minimum number of trips practicable.

Brash and timber should be moved to an agreed staging area outside the SSSI boundary, including the fence-line track to the south where appropriate. Brash is to be chipped for onward use or disposal as agreed with the client.

Cut lengths may be stacked outside the SSSI or removed from site, subject to agreement. Component 4: Molinia Management on Traeth Mawr Undertake management of Molinia caerulea on Traeth Mawr using low ground-pressure, wide-tracked equipment such as a PistenBully or similar, and/or bog mats where necessary.

The tenderer should specify the proposed method, machinery, ground protection measures and expected treatment area. Molinia mulch is expected to be left in situ unless otherwise agreed.

Component 5: Felling and Removal of Selected Trees at Blaencamlais Pool Fell and remove selected trees from Blaencamlais Pool, including trees within the SSSI and around the edge of the floating mat bog. The specific trees to be removed will be identified during the pre-work site visit and mapped before works commence.

Works must avoid disturbance to the floating mat, bog surface and associated rare plants. Trees on firmer ground around the edge may be removed using small machinery, chainsaws using electric power or biofuels, tree poppers and hand tools as appropriate.

Larger diameter trees at Blaencamlais Pool must be cut approximately 10 cm above ground level and treated immediately with Ecoplugs at the recommended dose, unless otherwise agreed with the client and any relevant consent conditions. Environmental and Operational Requirements All works must be under