Scope
Reference
FCCN004248
Description
Forestry England is looking to work with concessionaires to deliver Christmas trees sales at selected forest centres across the country. These sites are well-established and popular with visitors. Selling Christmas trees is not a new venture for us and we have built a loyal customer base over many years, either through direct sales or by working with trusted partners.
At some sites where we have previously sold trees ourselves, we are now exploring opportunities to work with concessionaires. In addition, some of our current concession agreements are coming to an end, and we will be re-tendering those opportunities.
This early market engagement exercise is intended to help us understand concessionaire interest and gather feedback ahead of a formal procurement process.
Through this engagement, we aim to:
Gauge concessionaire interest in the opportunity and identify which sites are of interest.
Raise awareness of the upcoming procurement and invite concessionaires to speak with us, visit the sites, and potentially observe Christmas tree sales in action.
Understand what financial arrangements concessionaires might propose, such as a percentage of turnover.
Provide a space for open discussion and answer any questions concessionaires may have.
About the Opportunity
Forestry England is the largest land manager in England and part of the Forestry Commission. We care for the nation's forests, helping people connect with nature, supporting wildlife, and enabling sustainable business.
We would like to award a seasonal sales agreement for Christmas tree sales at multiple sites. Existing Christmas tree sales sites are listed in the table below, where we'd like to continue this activity. We are also open to discussions about other Forestry England sites that could host Christmas tree sales, including locations that haven't previously offered this opportunity.
The contract will be divided into lots, allowing concessionaires to bid for one or multiple lots. The proposed contract duration is up to 5 years, structured as 2+2+1 years with review points.
We require that the trees, and any wood-based products, sold are sourced legally and sustainably in line with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) / PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade).
The concessionaire should provide Pine, Fir and Spruce species.
The total estimated value of this seasonal sales agreement, across all sites, over the entire period, including any extension will be in the region of £2.2 million.
Sales Sites:
Lot 1
Cannock Chase - Central District
Estimated 5-year Value - £575,000
Number of Trees Sold - 2024 - 2,060, 2023 - 2,455, 2022 - 3,016
Lot 2
Salcey Forest - Central District
Estimated 5-year Value - £139,000
New requirement, no current sales data available, value based on estimates
Lot 3
Alice Holt Forest Park - South District
Estimated 5-year Value - £404,000
Number of Trees Sold - 2024 - 1,449, 2023 - 1,931, 2022 - 2,050
Lot 4
New Park - South District
Estimated 5-year Value - £220,000
Number of Trees Sold - 2024 - 790, 2023 - 791, 2022 - 737
Lot 5
Whinlatter - North District
Estimated 5-year Value - £293,000
Number of Trees Sold - 2024 - 1,049, 2023 - 1,091, 2022 - 1,052
Lot 6
Hamsterley - North District
Estimated 5-year Value - £103,000
Number of Trees Sold - 2024 - 369, 2023 - 295, 2022 - 386
Lot 7
Dalby Forest - Yorkshire District
Estimated 5-year Value - £101,000
Number of Trees Sold - 2024 - 363, 2023 - 293, 2022 - 376
Lot 8
Haldon Forest Park - West District
Estimated 5-year Value - £342,000
Number of Trees Sold - 2024 - 1,226, 2023 - 1,366, 2022 - 1,387
We welcome interest from concessionaires of all sizes and encourage early conversations to help shape the future procurement. If you would like to learn more, express interest, or arrange a site visit, please get in touch.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,200,000 excluding VAT
- £2,640,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028
- Possible extension to 31 May 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55900000 - Retail trade services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 January 2026
Engagement process description
Forestry England are looking to engage and have discussions with prospective bidders about the current structure of the Seasonal Sales Agreements for the Christmas Tree Sales sites. Discussions will help inform the final tender documentation to be published in February/March 2026
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 March 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Concession
Contracting authority
Forestry Commission
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLRM-7846-HGLG
620 Bristol Business Park
Bristol
BS16 1EJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government