Bat Surveys at West Dean, Singleton and Cocking Tunnels: Framework Agreement

South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) intend to form a framework agreement with a company to carry out bat surveys for SDNPA at a number of tunnels along Centurion Way.

Please note that the survey numbers particularly beyond year one are indicative at this time and the programme may be subject to alteration and work in years 2 and 3 may be dependent on the outcomes of surveys in year 1. Payment will only be made for the individual surveys ordered by SDNPA.

Background

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has been developing a cycleway along the disused railway line from Chichester to Midhurst. Recently Phase II of these works received planning permission, but in addition, SDNPA Members have requested that officers continue to explore further the potential for use of the West Dean tunnel, and the two further north (Singleton and Cocking tunnels), for the extended route of the Centurion Way. This is to be achieved by gathering sufficient information to be able to consider investigating whether humans and bats can in practice share the use of these tunnels.

The SDNPA is currently looking to obtain data on the bat species using the three disused railway tunnels at West Dean, Cocking and Singleton (please see maps provided with this Invitation to Tender). The last two of these tunnels are designated as an SAC. There have been regular winter counts for many years but there is little data available for the summer usage of the tunnels.

Additional information: Please register or sign in to the South Downs National Park Authority's Procurement Portal using the below link

https://in-tendhost.co.uk/southdowns/aspx/Home

Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No