The Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) is getting ready to set up district licensing schemes to deliver pond creation and restoration across England to protect the habitats of great crested newts.
Great crested newts are a European protected species and their breeding sites and resting places are protected by law. Currently, licences for the amphibian are issued on a site-by-site basis. National implementation of the new approach will benefit newts at population level across the landscape.
Defra is now going out to tender to put the country-wide formal system in place to deliver pond creation and restoration during autumn and winter 2019/2020, and to secure habitat delivery bodies through which pond creation, restoration, monitoring and management advice can be commissioned beyond 2019/2020.
The work with landowners to deliver pond creation and restoration will initially be funded directly through Natural England and therafter via developer payment contributions raised through district licensing schemes.
The contract is being tendered in two separate Lots.
Lot 1 of the contract covers engagement, advice engagement and advice regarding the location and management of ponds and physical works to create and restore ponds. For a pond to count a ‘restored pond’ it must currently be in a condition where it does not provide suitable aquatic habitat for newts. In some instances it may involve applying for planning permission.
Lot 2 covers pond Habitat Suitability Index( HIS) surveys, eDNA and water quality sampling via ongoing monitoring work commencing from 2020/2021 following the launch of district licensing schemes. Every pond will be subject to pond HSI survey, eDNA and water quality sampling annually for four years from the date at which it is allocated to development as a compensation pond.
The procurement is related to the Habitats Directive programme financed by European Union funds.
Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is 23rd September 2019 – click here to access the tender documentation.
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