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Framework Agreement for a Contract for Thinning Works across its woodland estate

Durham County Council

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

08 Jun 2026 at 13:28

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Tender

12 Mar 2026 at 13:41

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Durham County Council has completed the procurement process for a "Framework Agreement for a Contract for Thinning Works across its Woodland Estate," aimed at managing woodland thinning projects across multiple sites in County Durham. This procurement process, which utilised an open competition method, was divided into two Lots. Lot 1 included 32 sites with each offering more than 4 hectares, while Lot 2 included 17 sites each with less than 4 hectares. The initiative, operating under the industry category of "Forestry services," took into account delivering substantial timber thinnings to market. The procurement process has moved past the award stage as of 8th June 2026, with works commencing on 1st May 2026. Notably, Kookaburra Environmental Ltd and Lumley Tree Services have been awarded contracts for different site lots within this framework, with potential for contract renewal contingent on funding availability.

This framework agreement represents a valuable opportunity for businesses within the forestry and environmental services sectors, particularly those proficient in timber and land management. It offers a chance for SMEs to engage in substantial timber thinning projects that could lead to financial returns covering operational costs. The division into two Lots creates varying opportunities suiting businesses of different scales, encouraging participation from both larger operations that can handle significant volumes and smaller firms skilled in managing more challenging access conditions. Given the regional focus within County Durham and the surrounding areas, local enterprises with expertise in forestry services are especially well-suited to benefit and grow through these contracts.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework Agreement for a Contract for Thinning Works across its woodland estate

Notice Description

Framework Agreement for a Contract for Thinning Works across its woodland estate. The opportunity is issued as multiple Lot contract split into two Lots. The sites generally fall into one of two categories as below and bidders are invited to tender for either one or both Lots. Lot 1 with 32 sites each offer more than 4 hectares (ha) of thinning per site. These sites are expected to make a financial return for the contractor which may cover their costs but this is not guaranteed. Bids to carry out the work for Lot 1 should reflect the fact that it is likely to be substantial timber thinnings to be brought to market by the Contractor. Lot 2 with 17 sites each offer less than 4 ha of thinning per site. These sites offer less Page 2 to 7 volume and sometimes poorer extraction access or poorer opportunities to stack timber. Bids to carry out work for Lot 2 will reflect the small-scale nature of this work and the likelihood of a low volume of thinnings to be brought to the market by the Contractor. For each Lot, the Council intends to appoint a successful Contractor as number one ranked bidder on the framework. The second placed bidder will be ranked second on the Framework for each Lot and held in reserve

Lot Information

Lot 1 - 32 Sites

Renewal: The initial duration of the proposed Framework contract is 11 months and contractors are required to complete the works within this timescale. However, if additional funding is available and subject to additional funding being available for this contract from the contract end date, the Council reserves the right (at its sole discretion) to exercise its option to extend for a period of up to 12 months. Currently there is no additional funding in place for the extension so the end date is 31/3/2027.

Lot 2 - 17 Sites

Renewal: The initial duration of the proposed Framework contract is 11 months and contractors are required to complete the works within this timescale. However, if additional funding is available and subject to additional funding being available for this contract from the contract end date, the Council reserves the right (at its sole discretion) to exercise its option to extend for a period of up to 12 months. Currently there is no additional funding in place for the extension so the end date is 31/3/2027.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066863
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053781-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

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

77200000 - Forestry services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£60,000 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jun 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
13 Apr 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Durham County Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5WB
Postcode Area
Durham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
TLC14 Durham
Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Framwellgate & Newton Hall
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

KOOKABURRA ENVIRONMENTAL LTD

Lumley Tree Services

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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