Tender: Ten-year Review of Bird Wise North Kent – Review and Update of North Kent SAMMS Strategy

About

Medway Council, on behalf of the North Kent Partnership, is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to undertake a comprehensive ten‑year review of the North Kent Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS). The commission will assess recreational pressures on internationally and nationally designated habitats through updated visitor surveys, bird disturbance surveys and use of additional datasets to provide an up‑to‑date evidence base for mitigation, and will produce an updated, fully costed SAMMS strategy capable of delivery in perpetuity (minimum 80 years). The work is split into two linked phases—Phase 1: evidence review and visitor survey update; Phase 2: SAMMS strategy review and mitigation update including governance arrangements and consideration of forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation—and the contract is expected to run for one year from 1 October 2026. The updated Strategy will support lawful delivery of residential and other development across North Kent by ensuring adverse recreational impacts arising in combination are effectively avoided and mitigated in line with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.