Contact: Katie McDonald, ext 6775

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That, subject to the European Commission confirming the success of the application of the LIFE 3 bid for Sustainable Wetland Restoration in the New Forest, approval be given for the County Council to enter into a formal contract with the Commission.

2. Reason

2.1 Following submission of a final bid for LIFE-Nature funding in May 2002, authority is now sought to enter into a contract with the European Commission to implement the LIFE 3 project, should this bid be successful. Formal notice of approval and offer of a contract is expected in the new few weeks, if this bid is selected by the European Commission.

2.2 As the project start date is 1 July 2002, and the next decision day is 16 July 2002, approval to enter into a contract needs to be sought prior to receipt of the official decision as to the bid's acceptability.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to sign the contract.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. During the process of developing the LIFE 3 bid, all legal issues surrounding the project, partnership and contract have been agreed by the Chief Executive with the aims of quantifying and minimising the County Council's risk. Approval is sought to sign a contract, if offered, subject to final review of the European Commission contract by the Chief Executive.

8. The total cost of this project is £2,800,000, of which 40% will be funded by the European Commission (EC). Hampshire County Council's share of the project cost is £388,000. After allowing for the EC support, a £40,000 contribution from external partners towards project communication work and existing staff resources, a shortfall of some £140,000 remains. This will be covered by operational budgets over the next five financial year.

9. The New Forest LIFE 3 project builds on the success of LIFE 2 and focuses on the areas that were highlighted by the LIFE 2 programme as those which require significant input before sustainable management can be reached. The overall objective for the programme is to contribute to the sustainable management of the riverine woodland and bog woodland habitats in the Natura 2000 network. The extensive work programme focuses on the hydrology of the wetlands and the habitats that support them but will bring significant overall benefit to the candidate for Special Area of Conservation. The partners in the project include English Nature, the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, The National Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

7156/KM