Effectiveness of historic environment options within the CSS (HS3, HS4, HS9)

Tender description

A current review of options HS3, HS4 and HS9 is required to assess option deployment trends to understand where the options have been used and why, to gather evidence as to why options have not been selected and to suggest ways the options could be improved, promoted or targeted more effectively. The overall aims of this project are to: 1. Identify arable areas of England where little use has been made of HS3 and HS9; 2. identify geographic gaps in the selection of HS4; 3. Use Heritage at Risk data as a proxy to identify areas where scrub and arable cultivation is a particular issue for SMs; 4. Engage with the farming sector to gather evidence as to why these options have low uptake; 5. Where the options have been deployed outwith SMs, engage with the farming sector to understand option choice; 6. Assess the effectiveness of option HS9 and the inclusion of cover cropping within the option prescriptions; 7. Draw the evidence together to suggest ways the options and option guidance can be revised to deliver farmer requirements as well as the needs of the heritage asset; 8. Consider the potential for adding value to the options or indeed reducing requirements to focus on primary objectives. Additional information: Please note that Defra procurement uses an E-tendering system for Procurement activities. This is currently provided by Bravo Solutions. To access appropriate tendering and contractual documents, please access the E-Tendering portal at https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk, ensuring that your registration includes "Defra". If you have any problems with this system, please contact Bravo on their telephone helpline number 0800 368 4850 or by emailing them at help@bravosolution.co.uk.