Crayfish eDNA investigation at Soudley Ponds SSSI

In the summer 2021 crayfish plague was identified at Soudley Ponds SSSI and Cinderford Brook catchment in the Forest of Dean and is believed to have wiped out almost the entire white-clawed crayfish population (WCC) present. We are aiming to determine the presence of remaining WCC at the SSSI and to test for the presence of signal crayfish and crayfish plauge in the catchment using environmental DNA monitoirng techniques.

There are two parts to this contract: • The provision of eDNA water sampling equipment/kits and protocols • DNA extraction, analysis of samples taken and reporting the results.

Natural England will be responsible for the collection of water samples over summer 2023 from sites across the Forest of Dean. Contract to be completed by 30th September 2023.

Additional information: To apply for this opportunity you must submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) attached. Your response must be sent to gavin.measures@naturalengland.org.uk by 17:00 on 10/7/23.

If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to gavin.measures@naturalengland.org.uk by 17:00 on 30/6/23. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers.