Seasonal Observation Wheel Opportunity at Bedgebury National Pinetum

Seasonal Observation Wheel Operator Opportunity

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

Forestry England is seeking early market engagement from suitably experienced observation wheel operators regarding a potential seasonal concession opportunity at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, one of the South East's premier outdoor visitor destinations.

Our aim is to explore the feasibility of introducing a temporary observation wheel during the Easter visitor peak period, enhancing the visitor experience while supporting engagement with the wider site. We invite operators to provide feedback on operational requirements, commercial arrangements, site suitability and delivery considerations.

This opportunity would initially be delivered as a seasonal trial within the 28-day permitted development allowance, with the potential to inform future opportunities should the trial prove successful.

About Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is one of the South East's premier outdoor visitor destinations, welcoming over 500,000 visits annually. The site attracts a broad visitor audience including families, members, cyclists, runners, dog walkers and wellbeing users, and hosts a range of established commercial and recreational activities, including:

- A well-established café

- Go Ape high ropes adventure

- Bike hire provision

- Educational and learning activities

- Active Forests programmes, including running, cycling, yoga and wellbeing activities

- A year-round programme of events and seasonal experiences

Any temporary attraction must be sympathetic to the unique landscape setting of the National Pinetum and contribute positively to the overall visitor experience.

Opportunity Scope

Forestry England is seeking feedback regarding the feasibility and commercial potential of hosting a temporary mid-sized observation wheel (approximately 30 metres in height) during the Easter holiday period.

We are particularly interested in hearing from operators able to provide:

- Supply, installation, operation and removal of an observation wheel

- ADIPS-certified equipment and compliance with all relevant safety standards

- Compliance with Forestry England Health & Safety Standards including Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)

- Experienced operational staff throughout the operating period

- Details of technical, logistical and infrastructure requirements

- Power, servicing and site access requirements

- Evidence of successful delivery at parks, gardens, heritage venues, visitor attractions or environmentally sensitive locations

Proposed Operating Period

Initial Trial Indicative dates:

18 March 2027 - 17 April 2027

Possible future contract start date will be March 2028

These dates are subject to final confirmation but are intended to cover the main Easter holiday period, including Easter Monday, traditionally one of Bedgebury's busiest visitor days.

Commercial Approach

Forestry England is open to exploring a range of delivery and commercial models and welcomes feedback from operators regarding:

- Operational responsibilities

- Ticketing arrangements

- Customer management

- Marketing and promotional approaches

- Revenue share and commission-based models

- Fixed fee, minimum guarantee or alternative commercial structures

The expectation is that the selected operator would provide, install, operate and remove the attraction, however Forestry England welcomes proposals on the most effective operating model.

Information Requested

As part of this engagement exercise, Forestry England would welcome feedback on:

- Suitability of the proposed operating period

- Typical commercial arrangements for similar installations

- Infrastructure and site requirements

- Installation and removal timescales

- Operator experience and relevant case studies

- Any challenges, risks or considerations associated with delivering an observation wheel within a forest or arboretum setting