This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

15 Jul 2026 at 14:44

Summary of the contracting process

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is inviting tenders for the Castle Ward Woodland Restoration project in Northern Ireland. This tender falls under the category of agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural, and apicultural services, with a focus on sensitive management of ecologically significant broadleaf woodland within the Strangford Lough Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The procurement is currently in the tender stage, with proposals due by 10th August 2026 and the contract expected to be awarded by 19th August 2026. The restoration activities are set to commence on 1st October 2026 and continue through to 1st August 2028.

This tender presents an excellent opportunity for businesses specialising in forestry management, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in invasive species control and habitat restoration. Given the project's emphasis on compliance with environmental legislation and best practice, companies with a strong track record in managing environments supporting protected species would be well-suited to compete. The open procurement method allows for broad participation, offering various suppliers the opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of biodiversity within this important natural site. The contract value is estimated at £100,000, providing a substantial incentive for qualified businesses to pursue this endeavour.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

National Trust- NI - Castle Ward Woodland Restoration

Notice Description

Castle Ward Estate contains a rare and ecologically important area of semi-natural broadleaf woodland within the Strangford Lough AONB. The woodland supports priority habitats and protected species, including red squirrels, pine martens and badgers, making sensitive management and habitat protection essential throughout the restoration programme. The primary threat to the woodland is the spread of invasive non-native species, particularly cherry laurel and Rhododendron ponticum, which suppress native regeneration and reduce biodiversity. This project aims to restore woodland health through invasive species control, sycamore thinning and enrichment planting of native species, especially hazel, while ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and best practice. The successful contractor will act as Forest Works Manager and deliver all restoration works between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027. This will include invasive species removal, sycamore removal, native planting and site clearance, with all cutting, felling and arisings completed by the end of February 2027. Follow-up invasive species treatments will be required during 2027 and 2028 to ensure long-term restoration success. Closing date for RFP - 10th August 2026 Deadline fro Queries - 1st August 2026 Award Contract - 19th August 2026 This opportunity is being conducted on the Proactis Plaza portal. https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/ Click on the "Opportunities" button and filter on Customer name - The National Trust All communication is to be carried out via the Proactis portal. Participating Suppliers will bear their own costs, and seek appropriate advice, for the preparation of their response.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-56e0b8d9-4ad1-461e-b084-de553056bbac
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/96787adb-fc8d-46cc-a098-8dbc996d49a2
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

77 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services


CPV Codes

77000000 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£100,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jul 2026Today
Submission Deadline
10 Aug 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 1 Aug 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST OR NATURAL BEAUTY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON
Postcode
SN2 2NA
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Mannington and Western
Westminster Constituency
Swindon South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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