Enjoying Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958. Its compact size (26 square miles) and accessibility make it an ideal area to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Within its small area the Chase has a remarkably varied landscape, with ancient woodland, conifer plantations, river valleys and wetlands, open heathlands, historic parklands and farmland. The range of wildlife that can be found here is equally impressive, including a herd of native fallow deer, four of Britain’s six reptiles, a number of rare and endangered birds like nightjar and woodlark, and specialised and unique plants like the rare “Cannock Chase berry” – an unusual hybrid between bilberry and cowberry.
Evidence of human activity on the chase can be seen everywhere.
Castle Ring, an Iron Age hill fort lies at its southern edge at the highest point on the chase (242 m / 794 ft), offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.
Shugborough Hall, ancestral home of the Earls of Lichfield, can be found at the northern edge of Cannock Chase. Its impressive historic house, gardens and estate date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Today it is maintained by the National Trust, offering visitors tours of the house, as well as the opportunity to explore the Servants’ Quarters, Georgian Park Farm and Walled Garden, and 900 acres of grounds.
Lying in between Castle Ring and Shugborough, and occupying the heart of the AONB, is a 1000 year old hunting forest, used by royalty and bishops. The AONB also has a wealth of industrial remains, with evidence of glassmaking, ironworking, coal mining and quarrying. Coal mining in the AONB was particularly extensive, with the earliest recordings of mining dating to the 13th century and covering a period of 700 years. The Museum of Cannock Chase located in Hednesford tells the fascinating story of Cannock Chase from its beginnings to the present day.
During WWI the AONB included one of the largest military training camps in England. Other military features within the AONB include the Commonwealth Cemetery and the German Military Cemetery, both of which are open to the public.
For more information please visit the website of the Cannock Chase War Cemetery and German Military Cemetery.
For those seeking active outdoor pursuits, Cannock Chase Forest, Birches Valley has plenty to offer, including scenic woodland walks, mountain bike trails, Go Ape Treetop Adventures, and Go Ape Forest Segway.
