Scope
Reference
C31071
Description
This project will synthesise the latest European and UK research on peatlands to support future policy development in England. It will explore a wide range of policy-relevant questions, including how peat restoration affects water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and flood risk; the changes in biogeochemical processes following rewetting; and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with restoration activities and forest-to-bog conversion. It will also investigate the resilience of peatland carbon stocks under climate change, the impacts and thresholds of grazing, the criteria for identifying unrestorable sites, and the potential for quantifying and monetising non-carbon benefits such as biodiversity and ecosystem services. Each question will be examined in terms of evidence strength, quality, uncertainty, and scientific consensus, and findings will be organised into thematic chapters led by subject-matter experts.
Aim
To provide an evidence-based policy report which comprises topical chapters, based on the questions posed by Defra (see Annex 1). These reports can be utilised as an evidence base to inform future policy and research by Defra and by others in the peatland community.
Contract 1. Peat Evidence Review
Supplier
Contract value
- £230,000 excluding VAT
- £276,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 November 2025 to 16 March 2027
- Possible extension to 17 September 2027
- 1 year, 10 months, 13 days
Description of possible extension:
6 months Extension due to unforeseen circumstances
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Unforeseen circumstances to extend end date
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
This is a research requirement and therefore exempt from publication, based on Schedule 2, Part 1, Section 22 - Research and Development Services.
Supplier
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) UK Peatland Programme is hosted by The Wildlife Trusts
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWCQ-8213-LNLZ
The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark,
Nottinghamshire
NG24 1WT
United Kingdom
Region: UKF15 - North Nottinghamshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Contract 1. Peat Evidence Review
Contracting authority
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Telephone: 03459335577
Email: procurement@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government