LP.A6 SUMMIT CONSERVATION

Project Report Year 1 2014

Report compiled by Chris Goodman Footpath Project Officer, John Muir Trust

September 2014

The Nevis Partnership is a Charity registered in Scotland, No SCO33418

30th September 2014

Footpath Project Officer

Chris Goodman Tower House, Station Road Pitlochry, PH16 5AN

Ben Nevis Path Repairs 2014

Tel: 07880 291126 E: chris.goodman@jmt.org

Contents Page

Introduction 2 Repair Work 2 Materials 3 Tendering Process 3 Tender Documents 3 Important Dates 3 Chosen Contractor 3 Work Undertaken & Final Cost 4 Project Co-ordinator 4 Appendix 1. Before & After Pictures Appendix 2. Bill of Quantities Appendix 3. General Conditions of Contract Appendix 4. Stonescape Tender Appendix 5. Variation Order 01 Appendix 6. Stonescape Invoice Appendix 7. Project Co-ordinator Timesheet

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Introduction

Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest mountain and receives a considerable number of visitors each year. Most visitors approach the summit via the old pony path which zig-zags up the hill after the red burn. While some substantial sections of pitching have been constructed at corners 1 and 2 in recent years there are still further small scale repairs required on the upper section to help consolidate this busy path and loose surface.

Repair Work

A further 2 cross drains, 3 water bars, 6m of pitching, 2 anchor bars, 5m of revetment and more blocking has been identified as being required to help slow down the steady process of surface erosion where heavy rainfall or snow melt washes away path material.

NN14722 71527 – shortly after corner 1, 4m of pitching with a water bar above is required where the gradient increases slightly. Here the path is quite rough and the pitching on corner 1 continues to get covered in loose scree which steadily works its way down the path. Pitching this short section will help gain the height, shed surface water and slow down the migration of path material.

NN14768 71559 – between corners 1 and 2, there looks to be the remains of an old water bar which is now defunct. This water bar needs to be removed and rebuilt approximately 1m further up the path with additional stone to span the path. 2m of pitching is also required a short distance below the bar to help gain height. This will further help reduce the migration of path material above corner 1.

NN14896 71669 – between corners 1 and 2 there is a section of revetment which supports the path edge and also discourages short-cutting between the zig-zags. There are signs that some path users are still taking this short-cut though and the revetment needs extending a further 3m downhill and 2m uphill to block the start of this braid.

Between corners 2 and 3 there are two defunct old water bars where water seeps onto the path from the slope above. The path has widened here considerably and the remains of the water bars now sit high and block the inside line of the path. These two water bars need rebuilding as cross drains spanning the width of the path with an anchor bar constructed approximately 1m below the cross drains. The cross drains need to be set lower into the path with the treads at path level and with drain dimensions to allow substantial through flow. The treads of the anchor bars should also sit at path level and will serve to hold the path material below the drain and help prevent the migration of path material which will result in the drain sitting high and becoming an obstruction. Blocking of the outside edge is also required along an approximately 50m stretch at this section to help reduce the path width and protect the outside edge. Weathered stone should be dug in in natural looking clusters to contain path users on a narrower inside line.

NN15118 71319 – before corner 3, the gradient increases slightly at a couple of points just before the bend and there is surface water on the path. A water bar is required to help shed the surface water and protect the slightly steeper path below.

NN15494 71541 – between corners 5 & 6, this is the start of one of the short cuts which takes a direct line down towards corner 2 and the red burn. Blocking is required to help discourage use of

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the short cut which is leading to loss of vegetation and soils lower down on this steeper direct line. Weathered stone needs to be dug into the lower path edge to act as an obstruction to the short cut and keep people on the path.

Materials

All stone is to be sourced on site and a winch will be necessary for moving stone safely on ground above this busy path. Use of a winch and method for safe collection of large weathered stone should be accounted for in the risk assessment.

Tendering Process Quotes were invited from experienced local contractors (Stonescape, Mamores Trail & Conservation and Martin McCrorie) and evaluated on a cost:quality ratio of 40:60. Given the high end, heavily built and formal nature of the work required contractors were requested to submit a short description and/or photos of similar work they have undertaken along with brief details of their experience in order to assess the quality component.

Tender Documents

Contractors were required to submit the following documents as part of their tender:

• Completed Bill of Quantities with total price for the works • Details of relevant experience • Details of availability to undertake works in the desired timescale • Pre-tender Health & Safety Plan • Risk Assessment • Copy of Public Liability Cover • Signed Tender Reconciliation Document

Important Dates

• Site Visit - Wednesday 30th July 2014 • Deadline for Tenders - Monday 18th August • Contract Awarded - Week commencing 18th August • Earliest Contract Start Date - As soon as contract awarded and relevant paper work

received. • Contract to be Completed by - end of 2014 – but contractors should aim to complete work

by the end of September due to the increased likelihood of snowfall affecting work after this.

Chosen Contractor

Mamores Trail & Conservation and Martin McCrorie both declined to tender due to other commitments and inability to complete the work in the required timescales. Stonescape submitted a good tender and price for the work and as an experienced contractor who has worked on Ben Nevis in the past their tender was accepted and the contract offered to them. Stonescape’s submitted price for the works was £9,395 + VAT (£11,274 including VAT).

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Work Undertaken & Final Cost

Stonescape began work on the 20th August 2014 and the path work component of the contract was completed on the 30th September. Chris Goodman undertook a site visit with Stonescape on the 22nd September to check on the quality of the work undertaken and issue any variation orders necessary. An additional 2.5m of pitching were required along with extensions to the cross drains, a further 6m of blocking and two man days work for extending an existing water bar and discouraging use of a further braid. The cost of this additional work was £1,584.50 + VAT (£1,901.40 including VAT) bringing the total for the contract works to £10,979.50. + VAT (£13,175.40 incl. VAT), this includes the cost of producing the summit project plan too.

Project Co-ordinator

The Project Co-ordinator for these works was Chris Goodman, Footpath Project Officer, John Muir Trust, contactable by telephone on 07880 291126 or by email at chris.goodman@jmt.org

Chris Goodman Footpath Project Officer The John Muir Trust Tower House Station Road Pitlochry PH16 5AN

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Appendix 1. Before & After Pictures of Work

NN14722 71527 – pitching shortly after corner 1.

NN14768 71559 – water bar between corners 1 & 2.

NN14896 71669 – revetment between corners 1 & 2 extended to deter short-cutting.

Between corners 2 & 3 – defunct old water bar converted into cross drain and extended.

NN15118 71319 – new water bar before corner 3.

Appendix 2. Bill of Quantities

Item Units Quantity Cost/ Unit Total (£)

Pitching - Construct stone pitching approximately 2000-2500mm wide using on-site weathered stone. These sections require a continuous stone surface with large level treads and stone of minimum depth 300mm with no running joins. The stones should be close fitting and provide a comfortable walking surface. The path tray will need digging out to ensure stones sit on solid foundations. Excavated material should either be used for packing all gaps in the pitching and surfacing the path where necessary or covered over with turf to form landscaped mounds. The finished pitching must not sit proud of the surrounding edges and the first step should have a maximum step height of 50mm.

m 6

Water Bar - Construct new water bar, approx 4-5m long, using on site materials. Water bars should be constructed onto a hard base using suitable weathered stone so that all exposed faces of the finished water bar are of a natural appearance and colour. Stones should have a reasonably flat treader and be of a sufficient weight and packed to withstand regular walking pressure. Joins must be close fitting and the face steep but not overhanging. The water bar should be set into the path at an angle between 30⁰ and 40⁰ to the line of the path. The treading surfaces should be level with the path surface on the downhill side while the liner stones should be level with the path surface on the uphill side. Longer liner stones should be selected an angled up on the uphill side to help gain height and meet the path level above the water bar. The height of the water bar face should gradually increase from 100mm to 150mm from the upper to the lower end. The water bar stones must extend 150mm either side of the path.

no. 3

Cross Drain - Dismantle remains of old water bar and construct new cross drain, approx 6m long, using on site materials. Cross drains should be constructed onto a hard base using suitable weathered stone so that all exposed faces of the finished drain are of a natural appearance and colour. Stones should have a reasonably flat treader and be of a sufficient weight and packed to withstand regular walking pressure. Joins must be close fitting and the face steep but not overhanging. The cross drain should be set into the path at an angle between 20⁰ and 40⁰ to the line of the path. The treading surfaces should be level with the path surface with channel dimensions of 40cm width and depth.

no. 2

Anchor Bar - Construct anchor bar below cross drain using on-site weathered stone, approx 4m long. Anchor bar treads should sit level with the path surface, be fairly level and extend at least 150mm either side of the path. Joins should be close fitting and stones should be at least 300mm deep to ensure they are securely dug into the ground. Back fill behind the step up to the cross drain with suitable path sub-base and surfacing material.

no. 2

Revetment - extend path edge revetment to block start of short cut. Dig large weathered stone into path edge onto a solid bench or foundations. Construct further tiers as necessary to build up revetment height and block braid.

m 5

Block Path Edge - dig large weathered stone into ground to obstruct and discourage use of the very outside edge of the path which could become unstable in time. Blockers should not form a continuous line but be placed more sporadically to appear natural and mimic natural ground conditions. Excavated spoil must be landscaped into wider path margins or used to surface the path if suitable. Large stone should be used to make the blocking look more natural as well as effective. All stone to be sourced on site.

m 55

Summit Clean Up Project - provide details in the form of a brief report of the work required to repair and consolidate the trig point, repair stone work on the summit shelter, tidy, make safe and conslidate the observatory ruins and repair or remove cairns. This should include a description of the design, work involved and estimated costs of work, materials and airlift, if required, in the form of a bill of quantities.

no. 1

TOTAL (exc. VAT)

TOTAL (inc. VAT)

Appendix 3. General Conditions of Contract General Conditions of Contract – Contract Management, Site Management, Site Safety, Site Location and Works, Offers and Reporting 1.0 General Conditions: Contract Management 1.1 Tendering The Contractor shall tender on a fixed price basis for the work as viewed and discussed with the

Project Co-ordinator. The tender shall include all labour, materials, accommodation (incl. Sub-Contractor) and other related costs to enable the full and satisfactory completion of the works. Any over-runs, additional, remedial, or other work resulting in increased costs shall be carried out at the expense of the Principal Contractor, unless otherwise agreed in writing by JMT. The date by which works are to be completed on any over-run will be specified by JMT. Offers to be submitted as detailed in section 5.

1.2 Specification The Principal Contractor shall adhere to the specification. Any alteration shall be made only with

the agreement, in writing, of the Project Co-ordinator. The Principal Contractor shall confirm in writing, acceptance of the offer of work following successful selection at tender. All works, conditions, dates and other information contained in this specification and related site visits and correspondence shall be binding on the Principal Contractor.

1.3 Site Visit and Expenses The cost of visits, preparation of tenders and related costs are at the expense of Tendering

Contractors, and shall not be met by JMT. 1.4 Arbitration Any dispute arising between JMT and the Principal Contractor may be referred for arbitration to a

person or organisation agreed by both parties. The decision of arbitration shall be binding on both parties. This Contract and its interpretation shall be applied under Scots law.

1.5 Scottish Law This Contract and associated documents are subject and drawn up under Scottish Law. 1.6 Period of Contract Work will start at a date to be agreed with the Project Co-ordinator. Work shall take place from

late August and all works must be completed and inspected and invoiced no later than 31st December 2014;

1.7 Additional Information

JMT may require additional information from Tendering Contractors regarding their submission. A written reply to such requests is obligatory for Contractors wishing to have continued consideration of their tender.

JMT may seek additional information on the performance of contractors, and require contact with

referees including Banks, accountants and previous clients. 1.8 Responsibility It is the Tender’s responsibility to satisfy themselves that they have all necessary information to

submit a fixed price offer, by which they may be bound. It is the Tender’s responsibility to seek

clarification or additional information from JMT or other, in answer to any queries relating to the work. JMT shall not vary contracts due to an oversight by a Tender.

1.9 Variations

During the period of the contract JMT may introduce Variation Orders – these will be numbered Written Orders signed by the Project Co-ordinator and Principal Contractor and signed by both on site. A duplicate copy will be retained by the Principal Contractor.

Variation Orders shall include the quantity of works and the agreed number of workdays at the

agreed rate, to carry that work out. Variation Orders must be signed for all additional works, prior to work being carried out.

Any charging by the Principal Contractor additional to the fixed price must quote the

appropriate Variation Order number, for any payment to be made. The costs of any work carried out that is not requested by the Project Co-ordinator, or is without a Variation Order shall not be met by JMT.

1.10 Guarantee

In accepting a contract based on these terms, the Principal Contractor is accepting a commitment to make good at the Principal Contractors own expense, any defects in workmanship which come to light in the 12 month period commencing from the agreed completion date. The Principal Contractor and Project Co-ordinator shall inspect the works, between 9 and 12 months following the completion of initial site works. All remedial works to be carried out by the end of the 12-month warranty period to the same standard as originally specified. For information, it is expected that most contracts shall require remedial works, and tenders should reflect this likelihood.

2.0 General Conditions: Site Management 2.1 Project Co-ordinator This will be Chris Goodman and can be contacted at the JMT office, Tower House, Station Road,

Pitlochry, PH16 5AN, or by telephone on 07880 291126. 2.2 Supervision The Principal Contractor will be responsible for the setting out, management and supervision of

the work. The Project Co-ordinator will inspect progress from time to time. The Principal Contractor will ensure that a competent person will meet with the Project Co-ordinator, to inspect progress, completed works, and confirm the next sections of work to be carried out, each two-week period of the contract. It is the responsibility of the Principal Contractor to ensure this contact occurs. Any instructions given to this person will be deemed to have been given to the Principal Contractor.

2.3 Day Works Supplementary or additional minor works may be required, at the request of the Project Co-

ordinator, at the end of the fixed price contract. Contractors should make their team available for such works, and include a “Day Works” rate (expressed in £ per person per day) for such works, on the tender.

2.4 Materials It is the contractor’s responsibility to source the materials required as per specification, transport

them and remove all waste materials generated through the contract works. 2.5 Workmanship

The Principal Contractor shall carry out everything necessary for the proper execution and

completion of the works to the satisfaction of JMT, whether or not shown on the drawings or described on the specification, provided the same may be reasonably inferred there from. This shall include both verbal and written instructions of the Project Co-ordinator.

All works shall be carried out in a workmanlike manner and to a standard seen on other

comparable sites, and works of a similar kind. Everything necessary for good path and landscaping work in the environment on site shall be carried out, and for a long lasting path subject to normal routine maintenance.

2.6 Testing Any work that fails to meet specification to the satisfaction of the Project Co-ordinator, is to be

made good at no extra cost. The decision of the Project Co-ordinator shall be final. 2.7 Access

Access to the work sites for plant and vehicles is the responsibility of the contractor and permissions must be sought where required.

2.8 Damage to Site If severe weather or other factors cause significant damage to the site, the Principal Contractor

must inform Project Co-ordinator immediately. If change in condition may cause a variation to works as specified, the Principal Contractor must inform the Project Co-ordinator and agree action before proceeding. Additional works resulting from damage to the site shall require written instruction of JMT.

2.9 Plant and Tools The Principal Contractor shall include for the provision of all plant, tools, protective barriers and

warning notices as are necessary for the proper execution of the works and use them appropriately on site. All Principal Contractors’ staff using tools and plant must be appropriately trained and supervised.

2.10 Water Pollution Prevention

The Principal Contractor must ensure safe use and storage of diesel, lubricants and hydraulic oils, and that use will be monitored and prevented from entering any watercourses.

All potential dirty surface water and debris run-off routes will be identified before any construction work starts on site. All construction work will be carried out in accordance with SEPA’s Pollution Prevention Guideline PPG 6 ‘Working at Construction and Demolition Sites’.

3.0 General Conditions: Site Safety 3.1 Protection of Public and Private Services The Principal Contractor shall cause minimum disturbance to users of the site, and to the site

itself. The Principal Contractor will remove all rubbish and debris from the site, and leave the works and site clean. Any damage to vegetation of the site shall be made good to the satisfaction of the Project Co-ordinator.

The Principal Contractor shall locate, maintain and protect all fences; trees; carriageways;

footpaths; water courses; overhead, ground laid or buried cables or pipes; and any other private or public property or service. All vehicular and pedestrian approaches to the site are to be kept

clear of obstructions, throughout the execution of the works. The Principal Contractor shall make good and pay for the reinstatement of any damage however caused and shall indemnify JMT against any claims for any consequential loss. JMT shall not be liable for any damage, disruption or injury arising from the Principal Contractor’s operation on the site, however caused.

3.2 Notice Boards and Advertising The Principal Contractor shall erect warning notices to the public, of the hazards caused by

works, at all times, to ensure public safety. Any notice shall be self-supporting and supplied by the Principal Contractor. Any additional signs, notices or advertising may only be displayed with the agreement of the Project Co-ordinator.

3.3 Insurance The Principal Contractor shall satisfy JMT that during the whole period of the contract they are

covered by insurance in respect of liability for injury of persons, animals, or damage by fire or otherwise to JMT, the landowner, or any third party for a sum not less than £5,000,000 in respect of any one accident or occurrence and to avoid ambiguity, the period of contract shall include the one year period of warranty, following completion of site works. The Principal Contractor must, on request, produce for inspection the policy and premium receipts.

3.4 Health and Safety at Work The Principal Contractor shall carry out all work in a safe manner, and have due regard for the

health and safety of their staff. All works to be carried out according to the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). The Principal Contractor must lodge with JMT a copy of their current Health and Safety policy, a copy of the arrangements for the implementation of safe working, and a copy of site working rules and other similar guidance applying to their staff working under this contract. This information will be required to be submitted prior to the commencement of the contract works.

JMT encloses with this tender a pre-tender Health and Safety Plan. Each Tendering Contractor

must submit a Method Statement and risk assessments for the preparation of a Construction Phase Site Safety Plan, either in accordance with the JMT Method Statement/Site Safety Plan pro forma, or an alternative format providing at least the same information. This Construction Phase Site Safety Plan must be submitted with the tender documents.

4.0 Location and Works 4.1 Location The work site is located as indicated on the attached site location map and layout plan. 4.2 General Description and Specification of Work As specified. 5.0 Offers

5.1 Tenders should satisfy themselves that they are aware of the specified materials, source, design,

location, finish and any other relevant details, of the specification and work required. The specification shall include information, discussions and instruction made by the Project Co-ordinator on the site visit. Tendering Contractors are responsible to ensure they have all necessary information to submit a full tender.

5.2 Bills of Quantities Tenderers should include in their Bill of Quantities, describing the total items and quantities of

each item, tendered for. This may differ from the Bill of Quantities attached herein, only if such

modifications have been agreed by the Project Co-ordinator during the site visit, or subsequently, and any alterations or additions must be brought to the attention of JMT in tender submission documents.

5.3 Tenders Checklist Tenders must provide the following information with their submission:

• Completed list of names and addresses of employees and proposed Sub-Contractors • Day Works Rates (£’s per person per day) • Completed Bill of Quantities • Tender Phase Site Safety Plan • Risk Assessment • Copy of Public Liability Insurance

5.4 Submission Tenders must be submitted with an envelope marked: “TENDER”, FOLLOWED BY COMPANY NAME. Tenders must be received by Chris Goodman, by 12.00 noon, on Monday 18th August.

18th August 2014

Allan Cooper Stonescape Mull View Duror of Appin Argyll PA38 4BW

Footpath Project Officer Chris Goodman John Muir Trust Tower House, Station Road Pitlochry, PH16 5AN t: 07880 291126 e: chris.goodman@jmt.org

Dear Mr Cooper Variation Order 01 – Ben Nevis path repairs 2014 Following Chris Goodman’s site visit on the 22nd September the following additional work has been undertaken or is required further to the bill of quantities and should be invoiced for on top of the original fixed price.

Item Units Quantity Cost/ Unit Total (£)

Pitching – additional 2.5m of pitching m 2.5 175 437.5

Cross Drain – cross drains built to 8m long rather than 6m long to span full width of path at £145/m.

m 4 145 580

Block Path Edge – additional 6m of blocking to deflect water into large cross drain.

m 6 44.5 267

Additional Man Days – additional day rate work to block short cut above corner 6 and extend water bar and ditch above corner 1.

no. 2 150 300

TOTAL £1,584.5 Additionally the newly constructed water bar above corner 1 does not meet the required standards as there is an undersized and loose stone forming part of the bar construction. This stone needs to be replaced with a bigger stone and a good join formed with the adjacent bar stones. This work is to be undertaken at no further cost to JMT. Yours sincerely Chris Goodman Footpath Project Officer

Appendix 7. Summit project Project Management In-kind and Volunteer Contributions 2014 Project Co-ordinator Timesheet & Expenses Name: Chris Goodman Hours worked on project: 42 Total days @ 7hrs/day: 7 Cost of staff time (@ £150/day): £1,050 Mileage: 800 Mileage cost (@ 45p/mile): £360 Other travel expenses (bus, train etc.): £19.10 Accommodation Costs: £62 Cost: £1,491.10 Project Manager Fran Lockhart Days worked on project 2 Cost £300 Project Assistant Alison Austin Days worked on project 4 Cost £600 Project Assistant Sarah Lewis Days worked on project 2 Cost £300 Total Cost £2,691

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