Wether Hill public bridleway path construction

Path surfacing and drainage

We are looking for an experienced contractor to carry out path works on the North York Moors near to Blakey Ridge.

The work is sensitive as it is over land that carries national and international conservation/habitat status being SSSI, SPA and SAC.

This project involves the construction of a 1030m recreational path to improve public access over the moorland area. The path will be constructed using suitable materials (sandstone aggregates) and aims to enhance visitors' experience while protecting sensitive habitats.

The awarding of the contract will be subject to weighting in consideration of price, proven experience of path construction in designated landscapes and also location (we are looking for a contractor local to the North York Moors and with knowledge of the area.

Path is 1030m and runs from Blakey Ridge Road at NZ 6752 0126 to near Fat Betty (monument) at NZ 6822 0196.

Presently the path is poorly drained in places, eroded and unsurfaced. Our aim is to prepare the path as required and to apply an aggregate sandstone surface at approx. 1.5m wide at a suitable depth to create a level path. It is envisaged that the construction of the path will be with a subbase of larger aggregate and a finer top surface. The path is to be laid and properly compacted with a camber to facilitate the shedding of water off the path.

Several locations will require drainage in the form of piped culverts under the path (please price up for seven pipes) with associated ditching in order to channel water through the pipe.

Vegetation that might be within the footprint of the path or associated ditching is to be carefully removed and replaced in areas of erosion where the current path is eroded wider that the designated 1.5m. It is very important that this 'landscaping' is carried out with great care and consideration of the national and international habitat designations that apply.

In addition to the habitat designations of the area, the path runs through some area of archaeological interest and consideration of these is also very important. An archaeologist may need to be present on site for a 'watching brief' when working near the areas of archaeological interest.

It is envisaged that works will start after July (after bird nesting season) and prior to November - September likely ideal time.

A site visit can be arranged in order to talk over the proposed works and look at finer details of the specification.