North Pennines National Landscape Partnership Peatland Restoration Framework
Framework Description
The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership Peatland Restoration Framework is a Durham County Council single-lot works framework for restoring peatland across the North Pennines National Landscape. It runs to 12 July 2028, with options to extend by up to two 12-month periods to 12 July 2030, subject to funding. Places go to up to eight top-scoring bidders scoring over 60% overall, with a minimum technical score of 40%. No minimum volume of work is guaranteed.
Context & Use Case
The council and affiliated bodies use the framework to restore degraded upland peat, improving habitat, carbon storage and water quality. Work is called off as funded projects arise, either by direct call-off or by a competed call-off open to every framework contractor, with weightings set for each project. Much of the work happens in remote, protected upland terrain, so access, timing and ecological care matter.
Scope of Services
Fencing installation Moss-rich brash supply and spreading Peat reprofiling Wooden, stone and coir dams Peat dam installation Lime, fertiliser and seed supply and application
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits upland restoration contractors and ecological land management firms with peatland experience. The tender has closed and the framework is Live with up to eight contractors, so others cannot join until it is re-tendered, around 12 July 2028 or 2030 if extended.
Buyer Benefits
Partners can commission restoration work quickly when funding lands, using contractors already tested on quality and price. A pool of up to eight contractors gives capacity for seasonal work windows. Buyers value proven restoration in protected landscapes, careful site practice and evidence that work improves peat condition.
Next Steps
Check Find a Tender for the award notice that follows tender notice 042560-2026. Appointed contractors should prepare for call-offs and seasonal work. Others should note the 12 July 2028 end date and possible extensions, and build their peatland case studies and technical method statements ahead of a re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
Applications for this peatland framework are now closed, so Athena's work would focus on what comes next. Our framework search can find other peatland and upland restoration frameworks that are open or due to open, and plan when to apply. For the re-tender, our bid writing service writes technical method statements that clear quality thresholds like the 40% technical minimum here. We also provide advice on public sector bids, including bid/no-bid decisions and pricing for funded works where budgets are fixed and margins are tight.
