Provision of Tree Stock for the Council's Free Tree Scheme

Descriptions

Put out to tender 12 Dec 2020 to 11 Jan 2021, however, no bids received for this requirement. This is due to a lack of availability &/or other commitments. For example, one supplier refused to bid on opportunities advertised via portals due to resource/staffing & also having commitment to large contracts, e.g. HS2. Another supplier was only interested in supplying larger trees. Supply of 800 trees is required for the Council's free tree scheme which operates each planting season (Oct-Feb). Although no tender was received for Lot 1, local suppliers (Coles and Crowders) still have sufficient stock of individual species to supply the required 800 trees for this season at an estimated £20k. In addition and in response to the lack of interest in the procurement exercise, it may be prudent to reserve an additional 1,000 trees to ensure a supply of the most popular species (oak,beech,lime) for 2021/22 at an estimated £25k.