Bat Advice Service (2027)
A practical guide to understanding what Natural England really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about bats
When I first read this tender, I noticed something important.
Natural England isn't just looking for a provider to give advice about bats.
They're looking for someone who can navigate complex legislation and provide reassurance to householders.
This contract is about compliance and conservation.
Not just pest control.
The Bat Advice Service will assist people in understanding their obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
You'll need to provide advice through multiple channels — phone, email, website and sometimes in-person visits.
Think about the householders
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be thinking about the people who need this service.
Householders with bats in their homes might be worried or confused.
They need clear, accurate advice.
Reassurance.
Empathy.
Your response should reflect an understanding of their concerns.
Explain how you'll communicate complex legal requirements in a way that's easy to understand.
Remember, the goal is to help people comply with the law while protecting bat populations.
Most bidders will list services
Most submissions will dutifully list the services: phone support, email advice, website updates.
That's expected.
But what Natural England is really looking for is how you'll provide these services.
How will you ensure quality and consistency in every interaction?
How will you train your team to handle delicate situations?
That's where you can stand out.
Pay attention to what they say
Natural England is clear about their statutory obligations.
They're not just providing advice.
They're fulfilling legal duties under the 1981 Act and 2017 Regulations.
Your submission should demonstrate a deep understanding of these obligations.
And how your service will help them meet these duties.
Highlight any past experience you have with similar legislation or conservation efforts.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to have excellent processes.
Few proved it.
If you have evidence of past success, use it.
- Case studies of similar advisory services
- Data showing high customer satisfaction
- Testimonials from previous clients
Evidence speaks louder than promises.
Holding standards over the term
Consistency is critical.
This contract runs until 2029, potentially extending to 2031.
Natural England will want to know how you'll maintain service quality over the entire period.
Think about:
- Staff training and retention
- Processes for updating advice as legislation changes
- Systems for monitoring and improving service quality
How will you ensure that someone calling in 2030 receives the same excellent service as someone calling in 2027?
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Bats are protected species.
But this service is really about people.
Helping them understand their responsibilities.
Making it easy for them to do the right thing.
I'd keep that in mind as I write each answer.
How does this proposal make life easier for the householders?
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on bats without acknowledging the human element
- List services without explaining the quality of delivery
- Overlook the importance of compliance with legislation
- Fail to provide evidence of past success in similar roles
- Ignore long-term consistency and planning
- Assume technical knowledge without simplifying for householders
- Neglect the need for empathy in customer interactions
My Final Thoughts
Natural England is looking for a partner who understands both the legal and human aspects of this service.
With a contract value of £748,919 and a potential duration until 2031, they will be investing in a reliable, consistent service.
Quality matters — it's not about the lowest price.
Focus on how you'll deliver excellent service consistently.
That's what I'd build my submission around.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.