Wild Chalk Project BRIEF FOR: Focus Area Conservation Plans 1

Wild Chalk Project

BRIEF FOR:

Focus Area Conservation Plans

1. Background Information

Chilterns Conservation Board and the Chilterns AONB

The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally protected landscape comprising a ridge of chalk hills stretching from Goring on Thames in South Oxfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire, covering an area of 833km2.

The Chilterns Conservation Board (CCB) is an independent statutory body established by Parliamentary Order in 2004. It has two statutory purposes:

1. To conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

2. To increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB.

In fulfilling these purposes, the Board also has a duty to seek to foster the economic and social wellbeing of local communities within the AONB.

Chalkscapes - North Chilterns Community Landscape Initiative

Chalkscapes is a partnership community and conservation scheme bringing together diverse organisations and groups in the Northern Chilterns to work together to deliver the following aims: 1. To inspire communities in and around Luton and Dunstable to learn about, explore and love their local landscapes - strengthening communities through a sense of place. 2. To involve many more people, from diverse communities, in caring for local heritage - contributing to a sense of wellbeing and belonging through experience of natural and cultural heritage. 3. To forge strengthened partnerships across community and conservation interests, delivering mutual benefits for both. 4. To create more wildlife-rich, resilient chalk landscapes and habitats, securing enthusiasm and commitment from land managers to collaborate on landscape scale conservation strategies over the long term. 5. To develop, test and share learning and best practice from innovative approaches to chalk landscape management.

Need and opportunity

The chalk hills surrounding the urban areas of Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis are home to rare and important wildlife and archaeology. Ancient trackways link urban areas to accessible countryside sites. These sites and access routes potentially provide a major recreational, cultural and health and well-being resource to local communities.

The Chilterns as a whole is a landscape under pressure. However, it is in the north of the Chilterns that we find the most challenging combination of development pressure, disengaged communities and nationally important chalk landscapes, wildlife and habitats at risk.

There is a real need and opportunity for many more people to get involved with initiatives to conserve and enhance what is left. Designation alone will not conserve what is special here. A sense of local pride in what makes this place special, how it came to be this way and why it matters today is crucial if we are to conserve this landscape for future generations.

This specialist contract will inform a core element of the development of the Wild Chalk project – one of five projects within the Chalkscapes project. The Wild Chalk project will create bigger, more joined up, more diverse and better quality habitats to allow wildlife to flourish and move through the landscape. It will develop and test new methods for chalk habitat restoration and deliver large scale chalk habitat restoration schemes - linking and expanding existing habitat, recreating microfeatures and restoring declining fauna and flora. To do this, we need to first find out what we currently have, where there are gaps and specify where the opportunities are.

The sites dossiers will be concentrated on five Focus Areas.

Designated sites and historical hotspots for some of the declining plants and birds.

2. Project development

The purpose of this Commission is to lead and undertake work which will inform the development of ‘Chalkscapes’, a Stage 2 (Delivery) bid to be submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

3. Scope and purpose of contracts

There are two interlinked projects described below (site dossiers and landscape scale networks) and these are divided up into a core brief and desirable brief. The core brief describes the vital work that will be carried out within the allocated funding. The desirable brief describes the work that will greatly benefit the project as its moves into the delivery phase but is subject to sourcing additional funding or a reallocation of funds. Consultants will be scored on their response to the core brief, however they should indicate their capacity to undertake the desirable brief and provide a quotation for such work.

i) Core brief

The core brief describes the vital work that will be carried out within the allocated funding.

Detailed Site Dossiers project

Provide detailed site dossiers for agreed key landholdings within the five identified focus areas listed below.

 Focus area 1 – Sundon/Barton/Pegsdon/Pirton/Luton.  Focus area 2 – Dallow Downs, Blow’s Downs and Winsdon Hill.  Focus area 3 – Dunstable/AldburyNowers/Gaddesden.  Focus area 4 - Around Totternhoe to Houghton Regis Chalk Pit and north of Luton.  Focus area 5 - River Lea.

The final list of site dossiers will be agreed in consultation with the Chalkscape Development Officer but will aim to complete, as a minimum, one report within each Focus Area. The sites selected will be of the highest priority and/or high potential for project activity. The findings from the species assemblage dossier brief will help inform key landholdings.

Description of work The exact content of the reports will be adapted according to the type of landowner (e.g. private landowner, farmer, NGO) and their requirements. This relates specifically to bullet point’s 10 and 11 below.

Overall, a minimum of 8 detailed site dossers will be produced.

Each site dossier should provide, as a minimum:

1. Description of landholding and local area (use any information that the landowner holds, e.g. maps, existing management plans).

2. Historical background and landscape context. To include baseline historical information obtained from the Local Record Centres (e.g. species and habitat data, statutory and non- statutory sites) and Council’s Historic Environment Teams (e.g. Scheduled Ancient Monuments).

3. A map of Phase 1 habitats (could use mapping work from Landscape Scale Ecological Network plan project below).

4. A map and description of priority habitats, including national, local and county priorities. Where historical site reports are available, compare and calculate changes in habitat extent, for example, of priority chalk NVC habitats (e.g. CG2, CG3).

5. A map showing species guild locations for the landholding using data from species assemblage dossier. Use microhabitat/species guild management recommendations (identified in species assemblage dossier) to identify management actions for the landholding. (note: this work could possibly be contracted out to the successful contractor of species assemblage dossier, but this would be the responsibility of the appointed consultant for this brief).

6. An assessment of the constraints and opportunities for management on the landholding.

7. Connectivity options to other landholdings.

8. Specific, mapped recommendations for management and options for sustainability under the following suggested but not exclusive themes:

Restoration/enhancement/creation work: - Scrub/invasive species control. - Chalk habitat creation and/or enhancement including early successional habitat creation/enhancement. Topsoil removal/scraping. Creation of microhabitats. - Arable management and/or reversion. - Costings for infrastructure and management work requirements. - Derogations, felling licences, consents.

Long term management and legacy: - Grazing opportunities. - Infrastructure requirements. - Machinery availability and requirements.

9. Suggested implementation timetable.

10. Suggestions for options and possible funding via: Countryside Stewardship and forthcoming ELMS.

11. Biodiversity Net Gain. (Method and metric to be agreed at inception)

Phased site dossier submission To be agreed with consultant upon appointment, however, we expect three dossier submissions by the start of September.

Landscape Scale Ecological Network plan project

Contact and initially engage the landowners in one of the focus areas (see map below) and identify priority locations for investment in the enhancement and creation of natural habitats as part of a landscape scale ecological network. This approach is already being trialled in focus area 1 (Sundon Chalk Pit SSSI to Galley and Warden Hills SSSI) as part of a separate project (completed April/May 2021).

Key aims:  To identify the priority locations of an ecological network for landscape and biodiversity enhancement within the focus area based on the Lawton principles of More, Better, Bigger, and Joined up.  To identify opportunities for habitats enhancement and creation in the short. medium and longer term through initial discussions with landowners.  Lay the foundations of a working relationship with landowners with the intention of developing opportunities, for example, the creation of farmer cluster(s).  Update and digitise phase 1 habitat maps for use in any future map based models and tools to help refine a landscape scale ecological network plan for the North Chilterns. Key outputs:  Desk based exercise to analyse freely available data on, for example, priority habitats and statutory and non-statutory sites, within the selected focus area and identify key locations and landowners. Some of this work has already been done during the first round application stage.  Targeted site surveys to update habitat information to phase 1 level and record habitat condition and restoration potential. Digitise the data using GIS.  Initial contact with landowners to understand the constraints and potential opportunities for delivering a landscape scale ecological network plan in the short, medium and longer-term. The discussions could include but not limited to the following topics: - Grazing ability, access to machinery for hay cuts etc. - Landowner’s interest in funding sources via Countryside Stewardship and forthcoming ELMS. - Biodiversity Net Gain opportunities.

 Analysis of the updated habitat information will be used to refine the boundary of the chosen focus area and to identify core habitat and buffer areas, and key linkages and stepping-stones within the study area, in line with the Lawton principles. Digitise the data using GIS. The focus area chosen will be agreed in consultation with the Chalkscape Development Officer but will aim to prioritise a focus area where there has been little or no dialogue with the landowners neighbouring known high priority, core landholdings (e.g. SSSI, NNR). The high priority landholdings may be selected as part of the detailed site dossier project – see project detail above. This landscape scale approach will lay the foundation for future dialogue with landowners with the intention of working towards connecting, enlarging and restoring the habitats in between and setting up a farmer cluster.

4. Quotation and Proposal - information required for core brief

The maximum budget for the core brief is £21,600 (inc VAT). Price and value for money will be considered when evaluating tender submissions.

Tender submissions should provide the following information:

1. Details highlighting the consultant’s demonstrated understanding of the project brief and familiarity of the North Chilterns Landscape.

2. Details highlighting the consultant’s experience and understanding of chalk grassland and arable habitats and species and their management.

3. A methodology including details about how the consultant will address the points raised in the scoping section.

4. A clear statement of all personnel who will be involved with the contract, their role, relevant experience and CVs.

5. A clear breakdown of costs including the number of days assigned to each member of staff, their day rates (excluding VAT), and total cost for travelling, subsistence and all other expenses necessary to complete the work. The consultant should indicate whether he/she is VAT registered.

6. Completed and signed Quotation Form setting out your fee (on a fixed price, lump sum basis), resource allocation and insurance levels.

7. The consultant will liaise directly with the Local Records Centres and Historic Environment Teams. Cost for these organisations will come out of a separate budget.

Please note: Prior to appointment the successful consultant will be required to produce copies of the following:

 Risk Assessments  Lone working practices  Health & safety Policies/certificates

 VAT registration number

Tender documents should be submitted in electronic format via email to [email protected] no later than 5pm on Friday 26th February.

Contract assessment The quote will be assessed on both quality and price as indicated below:  30% - Clear understating of the management and response of chalk habitats (including arable on chalk, chalk grassland/down and woodland on chalk)

 30% - Evidence of knowledge of the autoecology of chalklands, particularly as applicable to the North Chilterns

 20% - Appropriateness and clarity of the proposed methodology

 20% - Price (cost and resource)

Contract management and monitoring The North Chilterns Community Landscape Initiative is led by the Chilterns AONB Conservation Board, and the ecological consultancy work outlined here will be managed as a contract supervised by the Chalkscape contract manager who will maintain frequent liaison with the Ecological Consultant to facilitate and monitor the contract. The contract period is 22nd March to 17th December 2021.

The payment schedule for undertaking work will be broken down as follows:

25% at inception, 60% on submission of draft report and 15% at completion and sign off.

Principal outputs The Ecological Consultant(s) contract outlined in this specification will be a contract undertaken between March and December 2021.

There will be two principal outputs:  8 detailed site dossiers for key sites.  Agreed GIS and excel format for Landscape Scale Network project.

Completed to the full satisfaction of the Contract Manager by 17th December 2021.

All reports, dossiers should be submitted in an electronic digital format: finals report both as a pdf and Word document format. The Landscape Scale Network project output will be submitted in an agreed GIS and excel format.

5. Tender Timetable

Activity Deadline Invitation to Quote 5th February 2021 Quote deadline 26th February 2021 Evaluation w/c 1st March Contract Award & Decline w/c 15th March Contract Start w/c 22nd March Specimen draft site dossier approved by Chalkscape 30th July Development Officer. 3 site dossiers approved by Chalkscape development 3rd September 2021 Officer. Contract completion – remaining 5 site dossiers and 17th December 2021 Landscape Scale Ecological Network plan project approved by Chalkscape Development Officer.

Any questions regarding this brief should be emailed to [email protected] no later than Wednesday 17th February. In the interests of fairness all questions and responses will be collated and published on the CCB website.

ii) Desirable brief

The desirable brief describes the work that will greatly benefit the project as its moves into the delivery phase but is subject to sourcing additional funding or a reallocation of funds. Consultants are asked to identify their availability to undertake such work, give brief examples of any relevant experience and provide a fee proposal for undertaking this element of the project.

Outline Site Dossiers project Provide outline site dossiers for agreed key landholdings within the five identified Focus Areas listed below.

The final list of site dossiers will be agreed in consultation with the Chalkscapes Development Officer but will aim to complete one report within each Focus Area. The sites selected will be of moderate potential for project activity and/or medium potential for project activity. The findings from the species assemblages’ dossier brief will help inform locations.

Overall a minimum of 5 outline site dossiers will be produced.

Description of work Each outline site dossier should provide baseline historical biodiversity information, an assessment of the constraints and opportunities for management on each site or land holding/farm, connectivity option to other land holdings/farms and brief recommendations for management and options for sustainability. The dossier may include, should the landowner wish, brief recommendations of possible funding via: Countryside Stewardship and forthcoming ELMS and Biodiversity Net Gain.

Landscape Scale Ecological Network plan project Contact and initially engage the landowners in the remaining three focus areas (see map below) and identify priority locations for investment in the enhancement and creation of natural habitats as part of a landscape scale ecological network. This approach is already being trialled in focus area 1 (Sundon Chalk Pit SSSI to Galley and Warden Hills SSSI) as part of a separate project (completed April/May 2021) and another focus area has been covered in the core brief above.

Key aims:  To identify the priority locations of an ecological network for landscape and biodiversity enhancement within the focus area based on the Lawton principles of More, Better, Bigger, and Joined up.  To identify opportunities for habitats enhancement and creation in the short. medium and longer term through initial discussions with landowners.  Lay the foundations of a working relationship with landowners with the intention of developing opportunities, for example, the creation of farmer cluster(s).  Update and digitise phase 1 habitat maps for use in any future map based models and tools to help refine a landscape scale ecological network plan for the North Chilterns. Key outputs:  Desk based exercise to analyse freely available data on, for example, priority habitats and statutory and non-statutory sites, within the selected focus area and identify key locations and landowners. Some of this work has already been done during the first round application stage.  Targeted site surveys to update habitat information to phase 1 level and record habitat condition and restoration potential. Digitise the data using GIS.  Initial contact with landowners to understand the constraints and potential opportunities for delivering a landscape scale ecological network plan in the short, medium and longer-term. The discussions could include but not limited to the following topics: - Grazing ability, access to machinery for hay cuts etc. - Landowners interest in funding sources via Countryside Stewardship and forthcoming ELMS. - Biodiversity Net Gain opportunities.