The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is seeking to develop a new pilot program focused on upland ranches.
The software is being developed as part of the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE Integrated Project (IP).
The nine-year environmental project, which runs until 2029, is led by the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
It aims to improve Ireland’s performance in habitat conservation, and in particular improve the conservation status of the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) network of comprehensive bogs.
The primary focus is on 35 Natura 2000 sites in the northwest of the country.
Highland farms
As part of the project, NPWS is now seeking to appoint a service provider to deliver and demonstrate a one-year upland monitoring pilot programme.
It will seek to support the development of sustainable upland farming systems through monitoring, demonstration and knowledge transfer.
The estimated total budget for this project is approximately €125,000, excluding VAT, including all costs.
This estimated budget is for an initial period of 12 months. However, depending on progress, the project is expected to be expanded for an additional two years.
This initiative is supported by public funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Warm), and includes funding for the Joint Island Initiative through the NPWS.
In order to achieve the objectives of the Joint Island Initiative, the proposed project must involve “close liaison” with agricultural stakeholders in Northern Ireland.
project
Among the main topics of the project are farm economics, farming systems, good agricultural management practices, rural development and environmental issues.
According to the tender documents, the objectives of this contract are:
- Establishment of a network of experimental farms in the highlands;
- Monitor and demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices;
- Generate data and insights to support environmental and economic performance;
- Promote knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement;
- Inform potential multi-year program development.
At a minimum, the program should offer “the establishment and effective management of a pilot group of 10 upland farmers, with ongoing engagement throughout the duration of the project.”
The documents indicate that these farms should be employed within the first four months of the project and have a good geographical spread across the Highlands of Ireland.
The successful contractor will work closely with NPWS, DAFM, ACRES CP teams, agricultural organisations, Teagasc and the private consultancy sector.
The provider is expected to prepare reports based on its findings, including “informed recommendations to support the potential development of a future multi-year program.”
They will also have to prepare a report or booklet for farmers on practical land management and appropriate nature restoration measures for upland farming systems.
The deadline for receipt of offers is 3:00 pm on Friday, August 14, 2026.
