North Kent Grazing Project – Infrastructure Works (Contract Ref: CN260754)

Kent County Council (KCC) is seeking to appoint a suitably experienced contractor to deliver infrastructure works for the North Kent Grazing Project, a landscape-scale nature recovery initiative supporting the restoration and long-term management of chalk grassland and associated habitats across sites within and surrounding the Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve (NNR).

The project forms part of the delivery of the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and aims to reintroduce and support conservation grazing across multiple sites to improve the condition of chalk grassland, woodland edge and scrub mosaic habitats, enhance habitat connectivity, reduce scrub encroachment and support long-term sustainable land management.

KCC requires a contractor capable of delivering a coordinated package of conservation-sensitive infrastructure works across several sites in North Kent between Autumn 2026 and Autumn 2027.

The scope of works includes:

Stock-proof fencing installation, with some sites requiring removal of dilapidated fencing

Supply and installation of field gates, deer gates and accessibility gates, as specified in the brief.

Scrub clearance and green waste management, including mulching.

Water infrastructure installation, including pipework, troughs and connections to existing water supplies.

Construction of access tracks where required.

The works will be undertaken across multiple locations including Birling Estate, Ranscombe Farm Reserve, Trosley Country Park, Shorne Woods Country Park and Ladds Farm, many of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and all of which lie within the Kent Downs National Landscape and the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve.

The supplier must be able to demonstrate:

Experience delivering fencing and land-based infrastructure works in environmentally sensitive locations.

Ability to work safely and effectively within protected landscapes and designated sites, meeting the necessary conservation criteria required for protected sites.

Appropriate machinery and equipment for challenging terrain and ecological constraints.

Capacity to deliver works across multiple sites within the programme timeframe.

Compliance with all relevant legislation, British Standards and health and safety requirements.

Relevant accreditations and competent, suitably qualified operatives.

Due to the variation in terrain, access requirements and site conditions, site visits are mandatory and will be coordinated upon expression of interest.

This contract comprises a single lot and will be awarded on the basis of the lowest priced compliant tender, subject to meeting the quality requirements set out within the procurement documentation.

The anticipated contract period is between Autumn/Winter 2026 and Autumn 2027, with works funded through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Programme.

The stated contract start and end dates are best estimates, as weather and ground conditions may affect the actual commencement and completion dates.