Award

Wealden Heaths - Strategic Recreation Management Evaluation

NATURAL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Award

07 Jan 2026 at 08:36

TenderUpdate

04 Dec 2025 at 19:33

TenderUpdate

02 Dec 2025 at 10:01

Tender

18 Nov 2025 at 15:49

Summary of the contracting process

Natural England, a central government public authority based in London, has recently completed its procurement process for the "Wealden Heaths - Strategic Recreation Management Evaluation" project. This contract, valued at approximately £26,175 gross, was awarded to LEPUS CONSULTING LTD, a Cheltenham-based SME. The procurement process employed an open competition below the threshold, focusing on research and development consultancy services within the natural environment sector. The project aimed to assess recreation management approaches in Surrey's Wealden Heaths NNR and commenced on 5th January 2026, with an expected completion by 31st March 2026. The initiative included reviewing mitigation projects, funding models, and engaging strategies while addressing ecological risks to formulate a tailored biodiversity management strategy.

This contract presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in ecological assessments, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement, primarily those with experience in research and development consultancy services. SMEs and other enterprises involved in environmental management can leverage this project to expand their portfolios and secure future collaborations with government bodies. The strategic insights gained through such projects can enhance a firm's credibility and provide a platform for influencing environmental policy frameworks, fostering long-term business growth in sustainable practices and consultancy realms.

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Notice Title

Wealden Heaths - Strategic Recreation Management Evaluation

Notice Description

Natural England seeks a supplier to deliver a high-level analysis of recreation management approaches from other UK and European sites to inform strategy for the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR), a 2,700-hectare lowland heath landscape under high visitor pressure, in Surrey. The work includes reviewing external mitigation projects and funding models, assessing ecological risks, exploring enforcement options, and summarising engagement strategies. The outcome will be a concise evidence-based report with practical recommendations for a locally adapted recreation and biodiversity management strategy. Suppliers should demonstrate expertise in ecological assessment, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e398
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000879-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£25,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£25,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£21,812 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
8 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
15 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
5 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATURAL ENGLAND
Contact Name
Victoria Hawkins
Contact Email
victoria.hawkins@naturalengland.org.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England)

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LEPUS CONSULTING

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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