Planning

Potential large-scale onshore wind farm opportunity - North of England

FORESTRY COMMISSION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

14 May 2026 at 09:30

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Forestry Commission is currently in the planning stages of a procurement process, seeking developers for a potential large-scale onshore wind farm project in the North of England. This opportunity falls within the services category of the industry, specifically focusing on energy and related services. As a buyer, the Forestry Commission, located in Bristol, UK, invites interested parties to express their interest by 31st May 2026. Following initial engagement, the procurement process will move towards a feasibility and viability assessment phase. The planned contract period is set to start on 1st November 2026 and may extend through to 1st January 2077. This process is being conducted under a concession special regime and aims to culminate in a Lease Agreement for the project's development and operation.

This tender presents significant prospects for growth among developers with experience in renewable energy projects, particularly those with expertise in wind energy. Interested businesses will have the opportunity to secure an Exclusivity Agreement, leading to an Option to Lease, and eventually a full Lease Agreement. Such an opportunity necessitates a comprehensive assessment of technical, environmental, commercial, and legal aspects by the successful applicant. Companies capable of performing extensive site investigations and navigating complex assessments will find this tender particularly well-suited to their skillset, allowing for strategic expansion within the renewable energy sector. The project promises long-term potential and aligns with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Potential large-scale onshore wind farm opportunity - North of England

Notice Description

Forestry England seeks interest from suitably qualified and experienced developers for the progression of a potential wind farm project located on land within the North of England. Preliminary desktop only assessments indicate that the site may offer potential for wind energy development; however, it will be the sole responsibility of the successful applicant to undertake all necessary investigations to determine the technical, environmental, commercial and legal suitability of the site. The successful applicant will be granted a short-term Exclusivity Agreement enabling them to carry out initial feasibility and viability assessments on the site. Subject to satisfactory outcomes, this arrangement is intended to progress to an Option to Lease and, ultimately, leading to the grant of a full Lease Agreement for the development and operation of the project. Full site information and detailed supporting documentation will be provided to relevant interested parties on publication of the full tender and subject to non-disclosure agreements. Exclusivity Agreement followed by Option to Lease immediately afterwards and subsequent Lease Agreement. End date for Lease - Estimate 1st January 2077

Planning Information

Developers are invited to express their interest prior to the deadline by email only. Forestry England may offer an initial engagement call with those developers who have expressed an interest before 12:00 on 31st May 2026. Please note, no further information or details relating to the project can be shared at this stage. Engagement enquiries and expressions of interested to be directed to Commercial.Services@forestryengland.uk At this stage the scope of the contract is still subject to change, based on feedback from the market.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069878
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044257-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

71314000 - Energy and related services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 May 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 May 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 1 Jan 2077 Over 5 years
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
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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