PUBLIC sector contract hire specialist Automotive Leasing has won the contract to manage English Nature's 84-vehicle fleet. The statutory nature conservation body runs a mixed fleet consisting primarily of off-road vehicles and light commercials at various offices nationwide.

English Nature manages some 180 National Nature Reserves stretching from Lindisfarne in Northumberland to Lizard in Cornwall and promotes nature conservation by working with the Government, agencies, voluntary organisations and local people. Many of the sites are in rural and remote locations requiring specialised vehicles.

English Nature facilities manager Geoff Cooper said Automotive Leasing's ability to adapt to specialist needs gave it the edge over the competition. 'Almost all of our vehicles are four wheel drive and therefore do not fall into the normal 'fleet management' role,' said Cooper. 'Following a lengthy tender exercise, we awarded the contract to Automotive Leasing certainly because of their competitive price, but also - and more importantly - because of their proven experience of successfully managing a number of similar fleets.'