TP17/22 - Sustainability Old Chalk New Downs Project

Tender description

Kent County Council is tendering for a contactor to design, implement and monitor a project evaluation and sustainability program in order to assure them of the consistent viability of the following project. Below is an outline of the project with full details of what is required given within the attached documents. Fragmentation of habitats and the landscape, through factors such as increased development and changing land use, has resulted in small patches of habitat that are less suitable for long term viability of species populations, especially in a changing climate. The Old Chalk New Downs project aims to improve the coherence of the landscape and connectivity of chalk habitats by increasing their size, improving condition, restoration of sites in locations where they historically existed and by making links between existing habitats patches through creation of habitat corridors, buffers and stepping stones. In order to secure the sustainability of the project, OCND intends to re-connect the local community with their natural heritage and instil a sense ownership of their surrounding through a series of awareness, education and habitat management activities. Kent County Council has secured funding from the Heritage Lottery to deliver this ambitious four-year project covering almost 10,000ha stretching from Kemsing Down to Detling Hill. To evaluate the progress and effectivity of all the actions proposed by the Old Chalks New Downs over the next four years. The appointed contractor will be in effect scrutinizing the project and periodically proposing ways of improving its delivery and using the information to write up sustainability plan to ensure project legacy. All queries, questions and correspondence must be made through the Kent Business Portal. Keywords: Project Evaluation, Natural Environment & Coasts, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Quantitative and qualitative measures, Sustainability Plan