Lot 9 Environmental Stewardship Monitoring and Evaluation Framework - Re-survey of a sample of priority grasslands outside of SSSIs to determine impact and effectiveness of Environmental Stewardship agreements in delivering outcomes (RP04171)

The purpose of the procurement is to commission a survey of a sample of semi-natural lowland grasslands focusing on habitats that are priorities for conservation under the Government's Biodiversity Strategy. These are an iconic but threatened group of habitats. The project will build on a baseline survey undertaken in 2003 to gather data on the extent and condition of a sample of non-statutory priority grasslands in England. A resurvey now will provide evidence for the current conservation status of these grasslands and on the impact and effectiveness of interventions under Environmental Stewardship in conserving them. The data collected will help to fulfil national and international reporting requirements and provide a useful reference point for assessment of grassland conservation under Natural England's recently launched Conservation 21 strategy.