Tender for hedgerow research

CPRE invites quotes from suitably experienced consultancies to undertake research on how and where to deliver hedgerow planting and restoration. Consultants will be required to carry out this research during August–November 2023.

In January 2023, government announced a target to ‘create or restore 30,000 miles of hedgerows by 2037, and 45,000 miles of hedgerows by 2050’ under the refreshed 25-Year Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). But there are significant questions about how this will be delivered.

There is already much research exploring the benefits of hedgerows, including for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and their value in the farmed landscape. But there are aspects that have not been explored in such detail, such as how and where the extent of hedgerows can be increased. Various national policies will also play a key role in both protecting existing hedgerows and increasing coverage around the country.

We want to commission research that does just this – building evidence to show how government can deliver the hedgerow target while also improving the future for existing hedgerows. CPRE will use the research to inform strategic recommendations for government on how policy and practice can be improved, creating a stronger future for hedgerows.

For further information, you can download the full tender brief here, or you can contact Emma Marrington at emmam@cpre.org.uk.

Anyone wishing to submit a tender should do so by midday on Thursday 3 August 2023. The invited quote and any supporting material should be sent by email to Emma with ‘Tender – Hedgerows research’ in the subject header.