---
title: "Seed Collection & Associated Services"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-047a10"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-047a10"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-047a10.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-047a10.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "FORESTRY AND LAND SCOTLAND"
published: "2025-02-03"
---

# Seed Collection & Associated Services

Buyer: FORESTRY AND LAND SCOTLAND  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-047a10

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## Summary

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has completed a public procurement process for services related to "Seed Collection & Associated Services" under a framework agreement. The procurement, classified under "Horticultural services" (CPV 77300000), covers various regions in Scotland including the North, East, West, Central, and South Regions, focusing on seed collection (aerial, ground, and rope access), seed processing, testing, storage, and supply. The awarded contracts under an open procurement method were signed on 3rd February 2025, and the main service areas are planned according to regulation guidelines outlined in the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses providing forestry and horticultural services, especially those with expertise in tree seeding, seed processing, and storage. Businesses with capabilities in tree climbing, use of mobile elevated platforms, and certifications for high-risk operations will find this tender beneficial. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) such as Elsoms Trees Ltd, Forres Tree Services Ltd, Catkin Ecology, and others have been awarded contracts, underlining the inclusivity of smaller organisations within this framework. The comprehensive scope of work and the extended contract period present robust growth possibilities for businesses engaged in sustainable and innovative forestry services.

## Notice

Forestry and Land Scotland (the Authority) look after the national forests and land to enhance biodiversity, support tourism, and increase access to the green spaces that will help improve Scotland's physical and mental health and well-being. The Authority also continues to provide vital timber supplies to support a sustainable rural economy. Further information on who the Authority is and what it does can be found here: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/. The Authority had a requirement to place a Framework Agreement with external Contractors for the provision of Seed Collection and Associated Services (including, Processing and Testing and Seed Supply). Within this Framework Agreement specification, the Authority had a requirement for the provision of the following services: - Aerial Seed Collection; - Ground Seed Collection; - Rope Access Seed Collection; - Seed Processing, Testing and Storage; and - Seed Supply.

### Lot Information

Aerial Seed Collection - North Region

Planned Works - Aerial Seed Collection (Lots 1 to 5) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works by way of tree climbing using ropes or using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP's) where ground conditions are suitable to permit this. This work would relate mainly to Native Pinewood seed collections, but could also extend to other alternative seed collections such as Douglas Fir/Noble Fir, Omorika Spruce, etc. The work may also include crown reduction of Sitka Seed Orchard trees relating directly to subsequent ground seed collection operations. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Aerial Seed Collection - East Region

Planned Works - Aerial Seed Collection (Lots 1 to 5) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works by way of tree climbing using ropes or using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP's) where ground conditions are suitable to permit this. This work would relate mainly to Native Pinewood seed collections, but could also extend to other alternative seed collections such as Douglas Fir/Noble Fir, Omorika Spruce, etc. The work may also include crown reduction of Sitka Seed Orchard trees relating directly to subsequent ground seed collection operations. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Aerial Seed Collection - West Region

Planned Works - Aerial Seed Collection (Lots 1 to 5) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works by way of tree climbing using ropes or using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP's) where ground conditions are suitable to permit this. This work would relate mainly to Native Pinewood seed collections, but could also extend to other alternative seed collections such as Douglas Fir/Noble Fir, Omorika Spruce, etc. The work may also include crown reduction of Sitka Seed Orchard trees relating directly to subsequent ground seed collection operations. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Aerial Seed Collection - Central Region

Planned Works - Aerial Seed Collection (Lots 1 to 5) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works by way of tree climbing using ropes or using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP's) where ground conditions are suitable to permit this. This work would relate mainly to Native Pinewood seed collections, but could also extend to other alternative seed collections such as Douglas Fir/Noble Fir, Omorika Spruce, etc. The work may also include crown reduction of Sitka Seed Orchard trees relating directly to subsequent ground seed collection operations. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Aerial Seed Collection - South Region

Planned Works - Aerial Seed Collection (Lots 1 to 5) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works by way of tree climbing using ropes or using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP's) where ground conditions are suitable to permit this. This work would relate mainly to Native Pinewood seed collections, but could also extend to other alternative seed collections such as Douglas Fir/Noble Fir, Omorika Spruce, etc. The work may also include crown reduction of Sitka Seed Orchard trees relating directly to subsequent ground seed collection operations. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Ground Seed Collection - North Region

Planned Work - Ground Seed Collection (Lots 6 to 10) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works which are ground based only. Such collections may be made from previously cut branches that have been made available from aerial arboriculture operations or through the use of pull sticks to collect cones from low level branches. The use of ground cover sheets can also be used for the collection of e.g. acorns or beech mast. Ground seed collection works can relate to a wide range of both conifer and broadleaf species. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Ground Seed Collection - East Region

Planned Work - Ground Seed Collection (Lots 6 to 10) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works which are ground based only. Such collections may be made from previously cut branches that have been made available from aerial arboriculture operations or through the use of pull sticks to collect cones from low level branches. The use of ground cover sheets can also be used for the collection of e.g. acorns or beech mast. Ground seed collection works can relate to a wide range of both conifer and broadleaf species. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Ground Seed Collection - West Region

Planned Work - Ground Seed Collection (Lots 6 to 10) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works which are ground based only. Such collections may be made from previously cut branches that have been made available from aerial arboriculture operations or through the use of pull sticks to collect cones from low level branches. The use of ground cover sheets can also be used for the collection of e.g. acorns or beech mast. Ground seed collection works can relate to a wide range of both conifer and broadleaf species. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Ground Seed Collection - Central Region

Planned Work - Ground Seed Collection (Lots 6 to 10) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works which are ground based only. Such collections may be made from previously cut branches that have been made available from aerial arboriculture operations or through the use of pull sticks to collect cones from low level branches. The use of ground cover sheets can also be used for the collection of e.g. acorns or beech mast. Ground seed collection works can relate to a wide range of both conifer and broadleaf species. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Ground Seed Collection - South Region

Planned Work - Ground Seed Collection (Lots 6 to 10) The purpose of this requirement is to carry out seed collection works which are ground based only. Such collections may be made from previously cut branches that have been made available from aerial arboriculture operations or through the use of pull sticks to collect cones from low level branches. The use of ground cover sheets can also be used for the collection of e.g. acorns or beech mast. Ground seed collection works can relate to a wide range of both conifer and broadleaf species. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Rope Access Seed Collection - National

Planned Work - Rope Access Seed Collection (Lot 11) The Authority have determined where operations to gather seed from trees or shrubs on dangerously steep ground, crags from below or above, then the certification gained for IRATA/Mountain Climbing Instructor (MCI), Winter Mountain Climbing Instructor (WMCI) or equivalent will be the required certification where roped access is deemed necessary to ensure safe collection. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Seed Processing, Testing & Storage - National

Planned Work - Seed Processing, Testing & Storage (Lot 12) Seed Processing Seed processing timings are crucial in order to ensure the highest possible seed germination is achieved. Seed Testing Seed testing of all extracted seed is also required prior to either direct sowing or intended storage. This work requires to be completed under controlled laboratory conditions and requires the use of some fairly specialist equipment. Seed Storage Seed storage should be appropriate to the particular species of tree. It is paramount that the required seed moisture content is attained for all seed capable of being stored for long periods in deep cold conditions. Recalcitrant seed such as Oak must be kept in conditions which maximise their germination percentage and longevity as far as reasonably practicable. Given the wide range of papers available with very different prescriptions for the proper storage of individual species, FLS are open to experimentation with small samples to test some of these hypotheses. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Seed Supply - National

Planned Works - Seed Supply (Lot 13) The Authority have an ongoing annual requirement for the purchase of both conifer and broadleaf seed under this Framework Agreement. All seed purchases made will support annual plant production programmes at Newton Nursery and subsequently wider Authority Restocking and New Woodland creation programmes. The supply of appropriate plants to the forestry sector relies on a suitable supply of seed to the nurseries. The provenance of seed is an important factor, as forests planted in the area from which the seed is collected tend to be better adapted to local conditions. There is little predictability as to the quality of seed that will be produced in any given year and so, when a good seed production year occurs, the seed must be stored and used judiciously until another good seed year occurs. The Contractor will at all times be responsible for ensuring that it instructs and directs its staff, sub-contractors, and/or consortia members in order to meet the requirements of the Authority in relation to this Framework Agreement. The Authority will not be responsible for instructing and/or directing Contractor's operational staff, their sub-contractors, and/or their consortia members. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003411-2025 |
| Notice type | Planning Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Planning, Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 3 Feb 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 25 Oct 2024 |
| Future notice date | 31 Aug 2024 |
| Award date | 20 Jan 2025 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Summer 2028 |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £3,210,000 |
| Lots value | £3,010,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £2,540,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Cancelled |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | FORESTRY AND LAND SCOTLAND |
| Locality | INVERNESS |
| Post town | Inverness |
| Postcode | IV3 8NW |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM2 Highlands and Islands |
| ITL 3 | TLM20 Highlands and Islands |
| Local authority | Highland |
| Electoral ward | Inverness West |
| Westminster constituency | Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire |
| Delivery location | TLM Scotland |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 18 |
| Supplier names | ARBCORE; CATKIN ECOLOGY; DUNCAN CURRIE; ELSOMS TREES; FORESTART; FORESTRY CONTRACTORS SCOTLAND; FORRES TREE SERVICES; FYFE FORESTRY; HAKI ACCESS SOLUTIONS; HIGHLAND ACCESS; M&H TREE SERVICES; MURRAY FORESTRY; RH TREE CONTRACTORS; SCOTIA SEEDS; SM FORESTY; SQUIRRELY TREE CARR; SWORD FORESTRY; W M SHORTHOUSE FORESTRY |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 77200000 - Forestry services
- 77211600 - Tree seeding
- 77300000 - Horticultural services

## Release History

- 3 Feb 2025 at 09:27 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003411-2025
- 13 Sep 2024 at 11:30 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029384-2024
- 3 Jul 2024 at 09:44 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020232-2024

## Notice URLs

- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000775895
- https://forestryandland.gov.scot
- https://forestryandland.gov.scot/
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA30371
- https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-047a10. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-047a10.json.