Suppliers are being invited to take part in shaping the legacy of the Ousewem programme through a new project.
City of York Council is inviting suppliers to take part in a unique opportunity to help deliver a flagship legacy project for the Ousewem programme - a York River Walk that will connect people with the rivers that shape the city, and the nature-based solutions that are helping to protect it.
This request for quotations (RFQ) seeks experienced partners to lead on a public-facing engagement project that captures and communicates Ousewem’s impact in York and its upstream catchments. The result will be a lasting feature that brings to life the role of natural flood management (NFM), land use, and community collaboration in building a more climate-resilient future.
The focus of the RFQ is community engagement, with the option for suppliers to also propose creative elements. This could include interpretation, signage, trails or installations to help residents, schoolchildren, visitors and policy audiences explore the links between rivers, land and resilience. The work may be delivered by a single supplier or by a partnership team.
The York River Walk builds on Ousewem’s innovative flood resilience project, identifying and delivering NbS, including NFM, to reduce flood risk in vulnerable North Yorkshire communities, spanning Yorkshire’s Swale, Ure, Nidd and Ouse (SUNO) catchments. It is designed to leave a legacy for the city - raising awareness, inspiring future action and anchoring Ousewem’s long-term impact.
This project is part of a wider effort to engage the York community in river learning and flood resilience. For example, we were inspired when Miss Clinton from Park Grove Primary Academy reached out to share her class’s journey into river learning, where Year 3/4 students created posters showcasing their understanding of rivers, the water cycle and flood protection. We were delighted by their enthusiasm, and know they are one of many schools engaging with river walks and flood resilience learning.
Rachel Flood, Ousewem’s project manager, said:
This is a chance to create something meaningful for York - a legacy that not only reflects the city’s leadership in climate resilience but invites people to connect with the rivers and landscapes that sustain us.
"We’re looking for creative and community-focused partners who can help tell that story in a way that lasts.”
Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, added:
This project reflects our commitment to working with communities to tackle the climate and nature crises in ways that are visible, inclusive and lasting, and showcase and help explain the fantastic work that is being done planting trees, hedgerows and natural flood defences upstream from York, to help reduce flooding here in the City.
"We were really inspired by Miss Clinton’s class work - just one example of the many schools and communities already looking at and celebrating our waterways. By creating a walk that tells the story of our rivers and the actions being taken to protect them, and protect York, we’re helping people see the value of nature-based solutions. It will bring that energy to a wider audience, involving residents, students and visitors in shaping a more resilient future for our city.”
As a potential platform for future sponsorship and green finance, the York River Walk also offers opportunities to explore longer-term investment in climate resilience, community engagement and nature-based solutions.
The RFQ was launched on 17 April 2025, with responses expected by 15 May 2025.
To express interest or find out more, visit the YORtender Portal, using reference: 98650 York River Walk Engagement. If you are not already registered on YORtender you must register for an account to view all the details.