Invitation to Tender
River Alne Fish Passage Feasibility and Optioneering Study
Warwickshire
Severn Rivers Trust (SRT) is inviting suitably qualified consultants to tender for a feasibility, optioneering, and stakeholder engagement commission focused on improving fish passage at two barriers on the River Alne in Warwickshire.
This commission will identify the most effective, feasible, and acceptable options for restoring fish passage at two priority sites, enabling the projects to progress confidently to outline and detailed design stages.
Project overview
In April 2020, Severn Rivers Trust commissioned Fishtek Consulting to assess fish passage at two barriers on the River Alne: Needles AC Sluice and Island Meadow Caravan Park weir. While technically viable solutions were identified, the projects did not progress at that time due to funding constraints.
In November 2025, SRT revisited both sites with the Environment Agency Fisheries Officer, the Warwickshire Avon Catchment Coordinator, and the landowners. Landowners remain engaged and supportive of improving fish passage, however several site-specific constraints mean further investigation, optioneering, and stakeholder engagement is now required to identify solutions that are both technically feasible and acceptable to all parties.
SRT is therefore seeking a consultant to take these projects forward through detailed feasibility, option appraisal, hydraulic modelling, and stakeholder liaison.
Project locations
Site 1: Needles AC Sluice
Great Alne, Warwickshire, B49 6JA
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National Grid Reference: SP 12312 58648
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Latitude / Longitude: 52.225897, -1.8211684
Site 2: Island Meadow Caravan Park Weir
Aston Cantlow, Warwickshire, B95 6JP
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National Grid Reference: SP 13604 59755
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Latitude / Longitude: 52.235819, -1.8022068
Scope of works
The appointed consultant will work closely with Severn Rivers Trust, landowners, and stakeholders including the Environment Agency to identify the preferred fish passage solution at each site.
Needles AC Sluice
The current preferred option is a bypass channel on the true right bank. The consultant will be expected to undertake:
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Desk-based assessment
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Site surveys and fluvial audit
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Topographic surveys to inform hydraulic modelling
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Optioneering, including:
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An optioneering matrix
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An optioneering workshop
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Concept designs
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Hydraulic modelling, including:
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Baseline model
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One scenario incorporating flood flows and Q95 low flows, with fish passability and retention of flow in the mill leat as key objectives
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Shear stress assessment to consider erosion risk and mitigation
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Consideration of whether ecological surveys are required at this stage or should be deferred to detailed design
Known constraints include a deteriorating sluice structure, upstream road erosion along Pelham Lane, the need to maintain flows in the mill leat for recreational reasons, and proximity to a tennis court adjacent to a potential bypass route.
Island Meadow Caravan Park Weir
At this site, multiple options must be assessed. Weir removal has been deemed unfeasible, so bypass solutions are preferred. Options include use of the historic mill leat or a new bypass channel on the true right bank.
The consultant will be expected to undertake:
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Desk-based assessment
-
Site surveys and fluvial audit
-
Topographic surveys to inform hydraulic modelling
-
Optioneering, including:
-
An optioneering matrix
-
An optioneering workshop
-
Concept designs for multiple bypass options
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-
Hydraulic modelling, including:
-
Baseline model
-
One scenario incorporating flood flows and Q95 low flows, with fish passability and retention of mill leat flows as key objectives
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Flood risk assessment
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Consideration of complementary natural flood management if any option increases flood risk
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Consideration of whether ecological surveys are required at this stage or should be deferred to detailed design
A key constraint at this site is that no contact has yet been made with the landowner on the true right bank where some options may be located.
Project management and stakeholder engagement
The contractor will be required to provide ongoing project management throughout the commission, including:
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Regular liaison with Severn Rivers Trust, landowners, the Environment Agency, and other relevant stakeholders
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Clear progress tracking and communication
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Early identification of any additional studies or requirements needed to progress the projects
Programme
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Invitation to Tender issued: 19 January 2026
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Tender return deadline: 16 February 2026 (16:30)
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Award of contract: 23 February 2026
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Contract start: 2 March 2026
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Contract end: 1 June 2026
Tender evaluation
Tenders will be evaluated using the following criteria and weightings:
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Relevant experience delivering technical fish passage projects: 20%
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Method statement, resourcing, subcontracting approach, and health and safety processes: 20%
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Ability to deliver within the programme: 20%
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Cost: 40%
SRT does not commit to accepting the lowest priced tender and reserves the right to accept all or part of any submission.
How to tender
Tender submissions must be returned by email to George Clark no later than 16:30 on 16 February 2026.
📧 george.clark@severnriverstrust.com
Tenderers must complete and submit all required sections of the tender pack. Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of the tender prior to submission, or if you do not intend to tender on this occasion, please contact George Clark using the email above.
Tender pack
👉 [Invite to Tender – River Alne Fish Passage Feasiblity – 19.1.26]
(Includes specification, submission requirements, forms, and terms and conditions)
About Severn Rivers Trust
Severn Rivers Trust is the only charity working source to sea across the River Severn catchment. We deliver practical, evidence-led river restoration in partnership with landowners, communities, and regulators to restore healthy, resilient rivers for wildlife and people.
