Planning

Seasonal Observation Wheel Opportunity at Bedgebury National Pinetum

FORESTRY COMMISSION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

01 Apr 2026 at 12:47

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Forestry Commission is initiating a public procurement process for a seasonal observation wheel at Bedgebury National Pinetum, a renowned family outdoor site in the UK. The process is in the planning stage, with market engagement open until 17th April 2026, and the potential contract period running from 5th August to 1st September 2026. This project falls under the category of recreational, cultural, and sporting services and involves a temporary installation designed to enhance the visitor experience. The location for the installation is Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, known for its diverse visitor base and existing concessions such as Go Ape and a café, set in an environmentally sensitive setting.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses with experience in operating observation wheels, especially those familiar with natural or heritage environments. Suitable candidates should possess the capability to provide a fully managed service, including supply, installation, operation, and removal, while ensuring compliance with ADIPS safety standards. The procurement seeks operators willing to explore varied commercial models, such as revenue share or commission-based structures. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly encouraged to express their interest, given the project's potential for revenue generation during the peak visitor period.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Seasonal Observation Wheel Opportunity at Bedgebury National Pinetum

Notice Description

Forestry England is seeking early market engagement from suitably experienced Observation wheel ride operators regarding a potential seasonal concession opportunity at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, one of the UK's leading outdoor family destinations. Our aim is to explore the feasibility of hosting a temporary observation wheel installation during peak visitor periods to enhance the visitor experience and support wider site engagement. We invite operators to provide feedback on operational models, revenue share arrangements, technical requirements, and overall suitability. We are investigating firstly a seasonal trial to sit within the 28 days permitted development over the summer, with the potential to use evidence from this to create a longer-term model. ________________________________________ About Bedgebury National Pinetum: Bedgebury National Pinetum attracts a wide and diverse visitor base, particularly families, local members, cyclists, runners, and wellness users. Current site concessions include: * A well established cafe * Go Ape high ropes * Bike hire provision * A dedicated learning & education provider * Delivery of multiple activities through our Active Forests programme, including running, cycling, caniX, yoga, forest bathing, and wellbeing events Any new attraction must be sympathetic to the pinetum environment, the landscape setting, and our established visitor profile, while contributing positively to visitor enjoyment and dwell time. ________________________________________ Opportunity Scope: Seasonal Observation Wheel Installation: Forestry England is specifically seeking feedback regarding the feasibility and commercial potential of hosting a mid size (~30m) temporary Observation wheel on site. We welcome interest from operators able to provide: * Fully managed supply, installation, operation, and removal of an observation wheel * ADIPS certified equipment and compliance with all relevant safety standards * Clear information on technical, logistical, and infrastructure requirements * Commercial models including: o Revenue share arrangements o Commission based structures o Minimum Guarantee + % turnover We are particularly interested in hearing from suppliers who have experience operating wheels in natural, heritage, or environmentally sensitive settings, including parks, gardens, arboreta, or forestry environments. Estimated start date: 05/08/2026 Estimated end date: 01/09/2026 Running dates are flexible Engagement Deadline: 5pm 17/04/2026

Planning Information

Forestry England is specifically seeking feedback regarding the feasibility and commercial potential of hosting a mid size (~30m) temporary Observation wheel on site. We welcome interest from operators able to provide: • Fully managed supply, installation, operation, and removal of an observation wheel • ADIPS certified equipment and compliance with all relevant safety standards • Clear information on technical, logistical, and infrastructure requirements • Commercial models including: o Revenue share arrangements o Commission based structures o Minimum Guarantee + % turnover We are particularly interested in hearing from suppliers who have experience operating wheels in natural, heritage, or environmentally sensitive settings, including parks, gardens, arboreta, or forestry environments. Estimated start date: 05/08/2026 Estimated end date: 01/09/2026 Note: Running dates are flexible Engagement Deadline: 5pm 17/04/2026 Expressions of interest should be emailed to kathryn.skazick@forestryengland.uk by the stated deadline.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067ac6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030379-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

CPV Codes

92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 Apr 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
17 Apr 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Aug 2026 - 1 Sep 2026 30 days
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FORESTRY COMMISSION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS16 1EJ
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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