Rhydymwyn Wildlife Management Contract

Defra intends to run an open tender to procure a new contract for the ecological management of the Defra-owned Rhydymwyn Valley site near Mold, Flintshire, and is seeking Expressions of Interest from suppliers capable of meeting the contract requirements. Rhydymwyn Valley is a 35.5-hectare site of significant ecological, historic and community interest.

It contains semi-natural broadleaf woodland, wetland, grassland, grassland-scrub mosaic, a traditional orchard, the River Alyn and historic structures, including listed buildings and two Scheduled Monuments. The successful supplier will manage and maintain the site’s habitats and wildlife on Defra’s behalf, deliver species monitoring and ecological surveys, maintain specified visitor routes and wildlife-related infrastructure, and provide professional advice on matters affecting the site.

Delivery must reflect the site’s ecological management plan, legal protections, the sites two protected species licences, health and safety requirements and restrictions arising from its historic use and ground conditions. Key activities will include habitat management across wetlands, grassland, scrub, woodland, riverine habitat and the traditional orchard; management and monitoring of bats, birds, reptiles, amphibians (including Greater Crested Newts), butterflies, mammals and plants; control of invasive and noxious species; maintenance of the woodland trail, bird hide, bat and bird boxes, reptile refuges and other specified ecological features; and protection of listed buildings and Scheduled Monument areas through agreed vegetation management.

The supplier will be expected to work collaboratively with Defra, the site’s facilities management provider, relevant statutory bodies, local stakeholder groups, specialist societies and volunteers. The coordination and appropriate expansion of volunteer involvement will form an important part of maintaining the site, supporting monitoring activity, engaging the local community and delivering value for money.

The contract is expected to be let for an initial three-year term, with options to extend for up to two further one-year periods at the Authority’s discretion, subject to supplier performance, compliance with the specification and the continued requirements of the site. The contractor will be required to deliver planned habitat and species management, undertake monitoring and surveys, maintain appropriate records, and provide four written reports each year: two habitat management reports and two species monitoring reports.

The contractor will also maintain and update relevant risk information, notify Defra promptly of significant incidents, ecological changes or departures from agreed practice, and provide recommendations and mitigations where appropriate. The successful supplier will be expected to provide effective contract and programme management, attend monthly meetings with the Defra Site Responsible Officer, manage staff, volunteers and any subcontractors safely, and maintain effective communication with Defra and site stakeholders.

Performance will be managed through Key Performance Indicators covering conservation standards, species monitoring, habitat management, and health and safety risk management. Any estimated value stated in this notice is indicative only and does not represent a guaranteed level of expenditure or a commitment by the Authority. The final contract value will depend on the outcome of the procurement and the services required.