A special area of conservation

Around 20% of Cannock Chase is protected by European law as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its dry lowland heathland – the most extensive in the Midlands.

The Cannock Chase SAC partnership is a partnership between those local authorities who have legal responsibilities in relation to the SAC.  Funding for the SAC Partnership is solely collected from new housing development within 15kms of the protected area.  This revenue enables the SAC Partnership to offset the impacts of increasing visitor numbers – providing a better visitor experience that offers protection to the fragile habitats and their specialised wildlife.

Whilst the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership and Cannock Chase SAC Partnership have different purposes – they both share a common objective to look after the Chase and keep it special for this and future generations to enjoy.

The SAC Partnership has produced a separate website to encourage people to visit and use Cannock Chase responsibly.

Photo credit: Cannock Chase SAC Partnership