All access path Castle Eden Dene NNR 24765

Tender description

Natural England's (NE) remit is to ensure sustainable stewardship of the land and sea so that people and nature can thrive. It is our responsibility to see that England’s rich natural environment can adapt and survive intact for future generations to enjoy. Castle Eden Dene is the largest area of semi natural woodland in the North East. It is special for its yew, oak and ash woodland which provides homes for many different species of mammals, birds, plants and insects. Any work carried out on the reserve must take into account the sensitivity of the area and should aim to cause minimum disturbance to the site. Access routes must be agreed with the site manager to ensure damage to ground flora is kept to an absolute minimum and no trees should be removed without also discussing it with the site manager. NE is seeking a contractor to construct an all access path which needs to withstand use by tractor and trailer. Contractors must carry out a site visit to assess the ground conditions before submitting a tender. The access path will run from Oakdene Lodge car park (NZ428 394) along an existing track along the Buffer zone to a view point (NZ 419388) above Gunner’s Pool and will be: • Approximately 1250m by 3m wide, and needs to be able to withstand vehicular traffic (pick–up, tractor and timber trailer). • The top surface must be dolomite. • All sections of path must be suitable for use by wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs so must be smooth and with the minimum camber necessary for effective drainage away from public properties.