Whether you’re coming by foot, cycle, car or public transport you can find out how to get here and make the most of your time at the Chase. We have provided all necessary information, including guides, route maps, and dedicated car parks to ensure you have an enjoyable stay.
Find out more about planning your visit
We want everyone to be proud to protect the Chase. It is a unique and nationally important landscape. It is also fragile, and some behaviours can cause significant harm. The Cannock Chase Code has been developed to help everyone’s visit to be safe and enjoyable.
Find out more about caring for cannock chase
The next meeting of the Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee is taking place on Thursday 24th March 2022 at 10.00am at the Rising Brook Community Church, Burton Square, Stafford ST17 9LT.
The full agenda and papers for the meeting can be viewed here.
Members of the public wishing to observe this meeting in person are welcome to do so.
If you wish to ask a question during Public Questions you must inform the AONB Team in writing by electronic email (addressed to cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk) no later than close of play Thursday 17th March. Questions must relate to the business of the Joint Committee and the statutory purpose of the AONB to ‘conserve and enhance’ Cannock Chase. Only questions that have been received in advance in writing will be permitted at meetings. Please read the full protocol for public questions.
The AONB is governed by the Joint Committee which has devolved authority from the five local authorities that cover the Chase (Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council and Stafford Borough Council). It leads on preparing, monitoring and reviewing the AONB Management Plan for Cannock Chase.
Are you looking for funding to make your project happen? projects that will contribute towards conserving, enhancing, and raising awareness of the natural beauty of the AONB, its wildlife, heritage, and its communities are supported by the Sustainable Development Fund. You will need to demonstrate your project supports the conservation and enhancement of this special area by providing an environmental, economic, or social benefit – ideally all three.
Anyone (individual, group, or organisation) can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 from the AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). The fund is managed by Cannock Chase AONB on behalf of Defra.
The closing date for applications is midnight 9th May 2022 and projects must be completed by 31st March 2023.
For grants of £500 or under we can fund up to 100% of the project costs. For awards over £500 we usually ask for match funding of between 25% – 50%. This can be made up from ‘in kind’ contributions such as volunteer time or the loan of premises or equipment.
You do not have to live or work within Cannock Chase to apply but your project must have a direct positive impact upon the AONB, have a wider public benefit, and support one or more of the priorities set out in the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan.
Previous projects supported include practical conservation work such as heathland restoration, installation of bird and bat boxes, wildlife surveys and research, encouraging greater understanding and appreciation of the Chase’s nationally important landscape through film and literature, and the use of art to connect people to nature.
Of the grant Fund, Frances Beatty, Chair of Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee commented:
“Since 2006 the Fund has helped to bring environmental, social and economic benefits across the Chase through supporting projects to safeguard and enhance the Chase’s nationally important landscape and natural beauty. These projects have benefitted the Chase’s beautiful landscape, its special wildlife, rich culture, heritage, and community, and with continued community involvement in the scheme will go on to do so for years to come. If you have any ideas for community projects that support our core purpose to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of Cannock Chase, please do get in touch with the AONB Team. We are particularly interested in hearing from artists, sculptors, performers, photographers, and writers looking to develop inclusive arts projects linking people with our special landscape.”
For more information and how to apply, please see our ‘Funding for your project’ page.
Image credit: Orangery Garden project, National Trust
Our Annual Conference is a key event in the AONB calendar, giving us the opportunity to bring together local members of the community and AONB Partnership members in support of our outstanding landscape.
The theme of this year’s online conference held on 3rd March 2022 was ‘Changing perceptions and behaviours’. You can read about the conference presentations and watch recordings of the proceedings here.
One of the unexpected features of the pandemic was the way in which people turned to protected landscapes in unprecedented numbers for relaxation, exercise and enjoyment. They became an escape from the coronavirus and the lockdowns. Visitor pressure on Cannock Chase is not a new phenomenon. It has been a concern since at least the 1970s if not earlier. During the pandemic, however, the issues, tensions, and the need for management have come into sharper focus.
We need protected landscapes like Cannock Chase more than ever for inspiration and making us feel better. A flipside of people’s recreational use of Cannock Chase, however, are the unintended consequences. These include erosion, damage to wildlife habitats and cultural heritage, disturbance to wildlife, wildfires, litter, anti-social behaviour and a general loss of the sense of peace and tranquillity. Many new as well as repeat visitors are simply unaware of the special importance of Cannock Chase and take it for granted.
Balancing the needs of conservation with recreational demands is an ongoing challenge for all protected landscapes, but is particularly acute on Cannock Chase due to its size, location and proximity to substantial urban populations.
The Glover Review of England’s National Parks and AONBs published in 2019 strongly advocated encouraging our national landscapes to be healthier, greener, more beautiful places and open to everyone. It is likely that the Government will run with this, and that AONBs will be levelled up with National Parks and given a second statutory purpose for ‘public enjoyment and understanding’, alongside ‘conserving and enhancing natural beauty’. It is therefore timely that ‘changing perceptions and behaviours’ was this year’s conference theme and that we had a conversation about the issues, challenges and solutions.
On Saturday (15 January) the Government published its response to the Landscapes Review: National Parks and AONBs, an independent review led by Julian Glover and published in 2019.
The Cannock Chase AONB Partnership welcomes the Government’s long-awaited response, particularly the opportunity to reinvigorate the status of AONBs with new purposes and powers that will help us to:
Frances Beatty, Chair of the Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee said:
“Our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our most cherished landscapes, are seriously at risk and need emergency action now. Cannock Chase, despite its designation as a nationally protected landscape, is at high risk. There are threats to its beauty, its historic features and its landscapes: from inappropriate development; visitor pressure and land degradation; water pollution; the intense increase in light pollution, and above all catastrophic species decline.
This government consultation is welcome. It’s the first major review of protected landscapes since they were first created over 70 years ago, a once in a lifetime opportunity for people to shape how protected landscapes will deliver benefits for people and nature for years to come.
AONB teams have a proven track record of collaborative working with partners, local communities, landowners and business to keep these precious landscapes special. Yet this government consultation fully acknowledges the utterly inadequate current funding for managing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Overall core funding to AONBs has been slashed by an eye watering 36% over the past 10 years. Government funding between all 34 AONBs in England totals just £6m per year. An uplift will be essential to achieve all that is being asked of us in this report, to deliver the ambition for more beautiful, species-rich and accessible landscapes set out by Julian Glover and his team.
Cannock Chase AONB Partnership welcomes the government’s direction and is set to do more. We look forward to working with Government to use this opportunity to strengthen AONBs as exemplars of 21st century designated landscapes”.
Next steps
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 9 April 2022. Cannock Chase AONB Partnership will be working with key partners and stakeholders to develop a detailed response to the consultation, which we will publish on our website, once it has been submitted.
Have your say! Landscapes are for everyone and so too is the consultation. We therefore encourage everyone to get involved.
This is your landscape, have your say, get involved.
Read the Government’s response
Photo credit: Sam Carpenter
Registration is now open for this year’s Cannock Chase AONB Conference taking place on 3rd March 2022, which has as its theme ‘Changing perceptions and behaviours’.
Our Chair, Frances Beatty, will be the host for the Conference. After her welcome attendees will hear about the work of the AONB Partnership and Team over the past year and the coming 12 months and have the opportunity to ask questions.
We are delighted to announce that Mike Dilger, broadcaster, naturalist, writer and tour leader will then give the opening address to the conference which will look at what is being done to change people’s perceptions of Cannock Chase and influence positive behaviours to ensure that one of England’s finest landscapes stays special for this and future generations to come.
Presentations will focus on a range of initiatives underway or planned including: using sense of place, messaging and communication strategies, behavioural change campaigns, education and the use of the arts and culture to connect people to nature. We will also hear how England’s most popular protected landscape – the Lake District National Park – is responding to challenging visitor pressures and behaviours.
Our speakers include:
There will be opportunities to question the speakers and AONB staff team throughout the event.
The free conference will be held on Zoom this year and will run from 10am-12pm with a break for lunch before the afternoon session from 2-4pm. You will receive one Zoom link for the whole day. To reserve your place, you need to register here as soon as possible.
Photo credit: Sam Carpenter
Cannock Chase AONB would like to hear from artists, art advisors, art venues and others involved in the arts and cultural sector who are interested in developing stronger emotional connections between people and Cannock Chase using the arts.
Cannock Chase is a cultural landscape of local and national value. However, its beauty is often intangible and can be difficult to express. Yet we know that it enriches our lives, lifts our spirits, and makes us feel better!
The arts are one means by which people can experience, connect with and better understand Cannock Chase – its landscape, nature and heritage. Cannock Chase AONB Partnership wishes to explore that relationship and actively promote opportunities for projects with artists and producers in order to ensure that this precious place is more accessible to people and more widely understood and appreciated.
If this interests you please drop us a line at cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk Our plan is to hold an informal virtual workshop of interested people in January to share thoughts and ideas and discuss the scope for collaborative action.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The next meeting of the Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee is taking place on Monday 6th December 2021 at 10.00am at the Rising Brook Community Church, Burton Square, Stafford ST17 9LT.
The full agenda and papers for the meeting can be viewed here.
Members of the public wishing to observe this meeting in person are welcome to do so. Social distancing rules may be in operation.
If you wish to ask a question during Public Questions you must inform the AONB Team in writing by electronic email (addressed to cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk) no later than close of play Monday 29 November . Questions must relate to the business of the Joint Committee and the statutory purpose of the AONB to ‘conserve and enhance’ Cannock Chase. Only questions that have been received in advance in writing will be permitted at meetings. Please read the full protocol for public questions.
The AONB is governed by the Joint Committee which has devolved authority from the five local authorities that cover the Chase (Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council and Stafford Borough Council). It leads on preparing, monitoring and reviewing the AONB Management Plan for Cannock Chase.
The Cannock Chase AONB Partnership is calling on local communities and visitors to help care for Cannock Chase by following a new Code.
Cannock Chase is one of England’s finest landscapes – a beautiful yet fragile place with rare wildlife and important cultural heritage. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status ensures this outstanding landscape has the highest level of protection to conserve and enhance it for the nation and for present and future generations to enjoy.
The AONB Partnership worked with the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Partnership, public and charitable landowners and the emergency services to create the Cannock Chase code.
The code features 12 simple ways that visitors and residents can help care for Cannock Chase.
The organisations backing the Cannock Chase code include the AONB Partnership, SAC Partnership, Cannock Chase Council, Forestry England, Lichfield District Council, West Midlands Ambulance Service, National Trust, South Staffordshire Council, Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
Frances Beatty, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee commented: “By following the Cannock Chase code we can all help to keep this wonderful place special. Everyone can make a difference”.
The code can be downloaded from the Cannock Chase website.
Are you looking for funding to make your project happen? The Sustainable Development Fund supports projects that will contribute towards conserving, enhancing, and raising awareness of the natural beauty of the AONB, its wildlife, heritage, and its communities. You will need to demonstrate your project supports the conservation and enhancement of this special area by providing an environmental, economic, or social benefit – ideally all three.
Anyone (individual, group, or organisation) can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 from the AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). The fund is managed by Cannock Chase AONB on behalf of Defra.
The closing date for applications for this further round is midnight 17th October 2021 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2022.
For grants of £500 or under we can fund up to 100% of the project costs. For awards over £500 we usually ask for match funding of between 25% – 50%. This can be made up from ‘in kind’ contributions such as volunteer time or the loan of premises or equipment.
You do not have to live or work within Cannock Chase to apply but, your project must have a direct positive impact upon the AONB, have a wider public benefit, and support one or more of the priorities set out in the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan.
Previous projects supported include heritage interpretation panels, habitat management such as heathland restoration, wildlife surveys, installation of bird and bat boxes, social history research, leaflets, and art projects.
Of the grant Fund, Richard Harris, AONB Land Management Officer commented:
“Since the scheme began the Fund has supported local conservation, community, and educational projects that conserve, enhance, and improve our understanding of the Chase’s landscape, wildlife, and rich culture and history. The grant enables people, organisations and businesses to protect, celebrate and give something back to the precious landscape we all love and cherish”.
For more information and how to apply, please see our ‘Funding for your project’ page.
Image credit: rspb-images.com
Our latest Annual Review is now ready for you to enjoy and discover what we have been doing.
In what has been an extraordinary and challenging year our AONB Team has kept working with partners and local communities to deliver a range of activities that conserve and enhance the natural beauty of Cannock Chase, and at the same time connect people with this nationally important landscape. Read how:
Get in touch if you would like to know more about any of our activities.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to take on the role of Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer to deliver a major new land management grant programme in the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Created by Defra and managed by AONBs and National Park teams across England, the programme will help farmers, land managers and others to deliver work on the farmed landscape under the themes of climate, nature, people and place.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference to farming and land management in the AONB and to help conserve and enhance the natural beauty of this nationally important landscape. You will be the first point of contact for the programme. You will provide advice and guidance to farmers and other land managers, support grant applicants, support an assessment panel who will judge applications, and carry out general administration and monitoring activities to ensure the efficient running of the programme.
Deadline for applications: 30 July 2021
The AGM and next meeting of the Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee is taking place on Monday 12 July 2021 at 11.00am at the Rising Brook Community Church, Burton Square, Stafford ST17 9LT.
Agenda items include presentations on preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2022 and details about grants available to farmers and land managers in the AONB through the new Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme.
The full agenda and papers for the meeting can be viewed here.
Members of the public wishing to observe this meeting in person are welcome to do so. Social distancing rules will be in operation, and you will be required to provide your name and contact phone number for means of NHS Test and Trace.
If you wish to ask a question during Public Questions you must inform the AONB Team in writing by electronic email (addressed to cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk) no later than close of play Monday 5th July. Questions must relate to the business of the Joint Committee and the statutory purpose of the AONB to ‘conserve and enhance’ Cannock Chase. Only questions that have been received in advance in writing will be permitted at meetings. Please read the full protocol for public questions.
The AONB is governed by the Joint Committee which has devolved authority from the five local authorities that cover the Chase (Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council and Stafford Borough Council). It leads on preparing, monitoring and reviewing the AONB Management Plan for Cannock Chase.
Chasewater Innovation Centre is hosting a pop-up exhibition by young photographer Sam Laughlin between 21 April – 28 May.
In 2020 Sam walked the length of the West Midlands region in one trip, starting in the Wye Valley and walking north through Cannock Chase to the Staffordshire Moorlands and Peak District.
His work explores the conflicting political, economic and social influences behind rural land management in the area, focussing on the ways in which these influences are manifested in the physical landscape, and the resulting effect on biodiversity. Habitat loss, whether due to intensive farming practices, forestry, or housing development, is one of the most significant factors driving the global mass extinction event which is currently underway.
Sam Laughlin is a British visual artist whose recent practice is primarily concerned with intricate natural processes. Mainly utilising large format black and white photography, his work is characterised by its slowness, taking the form of long term projects intended primarily for exhibition.
Sam’s work has most recently been exhibited at Jerwood Space, Impressions Gallery, John Hansard Gallery and Towner Art Gallery. In 2015 he was commissioned by John Hansard Gallery to create work over a 4 year period. In 2017 he received the Jerwood/Photoworks Award. www.samlaughlin.co.uk
The pop-up exhibition at Chasewater Innovation Centre, Cannock Chase, is open weekdays only. Details for visiting Chasewater can be found at www.enjoychasewater.co.uk Parking fees apply: £1 for one hour, and £3 all day – cash only.
The Growing Things is a GRAIN Projects commission, supported by Arts Council England, and part of 10 other projects entitled ‘The Rural Gaze’, made by photographers in response to the rural Midlands. For more information hello@grainphotographyhub.co.uk www.grainphotographyhub.co.uk
Image is Wildflower Island by Sam Laughlin
A new toolkit is available to help local businesses appreciate the special qualities of Cannock Chase and how they can use a sense of place to develop and promote their products and services.
Being associated with one of England’s finest landscapes makes business-sense:
The toolkit can be accessed by registering on the Cannock Chase AONB website and signing up to terms and conditions. Along with the toolkit, registered businesses will be able to use the new Cannock Chase logo, business locators, and a selection of stunning images – all for free!
The toolkit has been designed around our new Cannock Chase place brand that captures the open landscape, freedom and sense of tranquillity of Cannock Chase in words and pictures. The objectives for the place brand are to help to protect and enhance the natural beauty of this special place; inspire and unite local communities and partners; support rural regeneration; encourage social and capital investment.
Over time the new place brand will be woven into signage and interpretation across the Chase. Other ideas include themed branded materials, maps, posters and leaflets. If you have suggestions for how and where the new place brand can be used please contact us at cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Are you looking for funding to make your project happen? The Sustainable Development Fund supports projects that will contribute towards conserving, enhancing, and raising awareness of the natural beauty of the AONB, its wildlife, heritage, and its communities. You will need to demonstrate your project supports the conservation and enhancement of this special area by providing an environmental, economic, or social benefit – ideally all three.
Anyone (individual, group, or organisation) can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 from the AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). The fund is managed by Cannock Chase AONB on behalf of Defra.
The closing date for applications is midnight 17th May 2021 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2022.
For grants of £500 or under we can fund up to 100% of the project costs. For awards over £500 we usually ask for match funding of between 25% – 50%. This can be made up from ‘in kind’ contributions such as volunteer time or the loan of premises or equipment.
You do not have to live or work within Cannock Chase to apply but, your project must have a direct positive impact upon the AONB, have a wider public benefit, and support one or more of the priorities set out in the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan.
Previous projects supported include heritage interpretation panels, habitat management such as heathland restoration, wildlife surveys, installation of bird and bat boxes, social history research, leaflets, and art projects.
Of the grant Fund, Richard Harris, AONB Land Management Officer commented:
“Since the scheme began the Fund has supported local conservation, community, and educational projects that conserve, enhance, and improve our understanding of the Chase’s landscape, wildlife, and rich culture and history. The grant enables people, organisations and businesses to protect, celebrate and give something back to the precious landscape we all love and cherish”.
For more information and how to apply, please see our ‘Funding for your project’ page.
Image credit: rspb-images.com
The next meeting of the Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee is taking place on Monday 15 March 2021 at 10.00 AM
The meeting is taking place remotely and can be observed by joining the webcast.
The agenda and papers for the meeting can be viewed here.
The AONB is governed by the Joint Committee which has devolved authority from the five local authorities that cover the Chase (Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council and Stafford Borough Council). It leads on preparing, monitoring and reviewing the AONB Management Plan for Cannock Chase.
Views at Shugborough Estate on Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are about to get better. Shugborough Estate is an iconic Grade 1 Listed Park of international significance with extensive parkland and pleasure grounds, and a major tourist attraction. Part of the park and the main visitor route to the Mansion is crossed by an overhead power line that intrudes on the historic landscape. The 825m of powerline constitutes one the most significant modern intrusions on this landscape, impacting key parkland views, the settings of key buildings and tranquillity of the pleasure grounds.
The undergrounding scheme at Shugborough was proposed jointly by the AONB and the National Trust and will see overhead lines at Shugborough Estate removed to restore the historic character of this iconic Grade I listed park. Their removal will help the National Trust in their ambition to reinstate the historic beauty of the landscape and improve the visitor experience.
The final stages of the work are now underway to remove the overhead line and 10 wooden poles and place the service underground, along with repositioning the transformers to less obtrusive locations.
This is part of an ongoing £2.3 million regulatory-backed initiative funded by Western Power Distribution (WPD) to enhance protected landscapes.
Last year the AONB also secured funding from this initiative to underground overhead lines and so improve the landscape along Marquis Drive, between the White House to Moors Gorse.
Cannock Chase AONB Partnership wants to help farmers and land managers in the AONB prepare for the changes being introduced to agricultural support over the next few years.
Change is coming
The face of UK agriculture is changing. From 2021 direct payments (the Basic Payment Scheme) will be phased out in the lead up to the roll out of a new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELM) in 2024 which will focus on:
Farming in Protected Landscapes
To help farmers and land managers in AONBs (as well as National Parks) prepare for these changes, from April 2021-24 Defra is introducing a new ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ scheme. This will provide advice and funding for those in nationally protected landscapes to manage the natural environment, cultural heritage and public access. The details of this scheme are still being prepared, but it appears it will be delivered through the AONBs and National Parks themselves.
Support for farmers in Cannock Chase AONB
In preparation for the new scheme, Cannock Chase AONB Partnership is beginning to contact all farmers and land managers who own or manage land within or in close proximity to Cannock Chase AONB. To help with this task, they have appointed DJM Consulting and Arbor Vitae – two local rural consultancy firms with experience and expertise in land management.
Over the next few weeks, information will be shared about:
To learn more about the needs of the farming and landowning community in the AONB and to provide tailored support through the next few years, farmers and landowners are also being invited to complete a survey and take part in small group discussions and one to one meetings. Due to the current restrictions, these will all take place remotely using videoconferencing/teleconferencing.
Next Steps
Office line: 01746 714089
Mobile: 07803 533461
Email: marie@theruralbusiness.co.uk
This February the AONB, together with the countryside charity CPRE, are inviting everyone to take part in Star Count 2021, a fun and easy way to enjoy the wonders of the universe.
Dark starry skies are a magical sight, but glare from streetlights and buildings can mean that many of us don’t get to see them. Just 3% of people in England experience ‘truly dark skies’. Locally, Cannock Chase has the highest levels of light pollution of all England’s 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). The AONB is affected by light spillage from nearby towns, but remains an oasis of darkness relative to the surroundings. Cannock Chase AONB wants to conserve its dark skies for people to enjoy and for nature to thrive, and as part of a wider project is joining with CPRE this year to study our starry skies. You can find out more about the AONB’s Dark Skies project on our website.
If you live in or around Cannock Chase AONB we need your help to count the stars, and we hope you will join CPRE’s Star Count. Anyone can take part in the survey by choosing a clear night between 6-14 February and counting the number of stars they can see within the constellation of Orion. It’s easy to do, and does not require a telescope or any other equipment. This year CPRE is asking everyone to take part from home: from a garden, balcony, doorstep or even bedroom window. It’s a family-friendly activity that’s quick and easy to do, even during lockdown, and can help more of us experience the beauty of a starry sky.
The results will help CPRE create an interactive map of the nation’s view of the night sky. Locally the results of this cosmic census will help the AONB Partnership in their work to reduce light pollution and keep the night skies above Cannock Chase special.
Councillor Frances Beatty, Chair of Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee, commented:
“The amount of artificial light from growing conurbations surrounding Cannock Chase is damaging its natural world and reducing our ability to see dark skies. The need to protect and restore the rhythm of night and day has never been more urgent and we want decision makers to address artificial light pollution in their policies for the AONB and its surroundings. Plants and animals depend on the circadian rhythm of light and dark to govern life-sustaining behaviours such as reproduction, food, sleep and protection from predators. Artificial light has negative effects on many creatures, including amphibians, birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants, which impacts on the sensitive habitats on the Chase. Darkness at night should be an integral part of its landscape, adding to its tranquillity and sense of remoteness. We want to ensure that our skies don’t get any lighter, and that looking up at a starry sky is something we can continue to experience and enjoy.”
Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, said:
‘A starry night sky is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer, connecting us to the nature we all love and the wonders of the wider universe. Dark skies are also crucial for our health and for that of wildlife. Lockdown and the coronavirus have reminded us about how good for us the countryside can be.
‘But many places suffer from light pollution, bleaching out the night sky. We want to change this. By taking part in Star Count, people will be contributing to citizen science, helping us to lobby the government for more protection of this too often overlooked, but vital, part of our countryside’.
For more information about how to take part in the Star Count and to download a free family activity pack, visit CPRE’s website.
Following the new national lockdown in England announced on Monday 4 January 2021, there are some changes to the government guidelines which are relevant to anyone wishing to visit Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) at this time.
The updated guidance includes the following information:
You can exercise in a public outdoor place:
Public outdoor places include:
If you need to travel you should stay local – meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live – and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall.
Read the full guidance from the government.
Thank you for staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives.
The next meeting of the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership Joint Committee is taking place at 10.00 am on Friday 11th December 2020.
The meeting is being held remotely and can be observed by joining the webcast.
Agenda:
Exclusion of the public and press
Part Two (all reports in this part are exempt)
Papers for the meeting can be viewed here.
The AONB is governed by the Joint Committee which has devolved authority from the five local authorities that cover the Chase (Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council and Stafford Borough Council). It leads on preparing, monitoring and reviewing the AONB Management Plan for Cannock Chase.
Do you have a project in mind that will make a difference to Cannock Chase AONB, its wealth of wildlife and heritage and its communities? Projects must support the conservation and enhancement of this special area by providing an environmental, economic or social benefit – ideally all three.
Anyone (individual, groups or organisation) can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 from the AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). The fund is provided by Defra.
The closing date for applications is midnight 16 November 2020 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2021.
For grants of £500 or under we can fund up to 100% of the project costs. For awards over £500 we usually ask for match funding of between 25% – 50%. This can be made up from ‘in kind’ contributions such as volunteer time or the loan of premises or equipment.
You do not have to live or work within Cannock Chase to apply but, your project must have a direct positive impact upon the AONB, have a wider public benefit, and support one or more of the priorities set out in the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan. Please see our Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan page.
Projects supported in previous years include: interpretation panels, habitat management, wildlife surveys, bird and bat boxes, social history research, leaflets and art projects.
Of the grant scheme, Frances Beatty, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee commented:
“Over the many years the scheme has been operating it has helped to fund projects such as educational and interpretational work, conserving wildlife, and improving health and wellbeing through the arts, all very different but all with the conservation of the unique landscape at their heart. This grant is a very small recognition of the exceptional work by local volunteers and organisations year on year, all with a love of the Chase”.
For more information and how to apply, please see our ‘funding for your project’ page.
Image credit: Paul Roberts, Lead Ranger Shugborough Estate & Staffordshire Countryside, National Trust.
Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee has set out its views of the proposals put forward by the Cannock Chase Special of Area of Conservation (SAC) Partnership in a Position Statement published today.
The body which has responsibility for protecting the nationally designated landscape believes that the proposals for car parking and visitor management offer a way forward to provide for the future growth in recreational use of Cannock Chase whilst safeguarding the area’s special landscape, wildlife and heritage interests. The Joint Committee has taken into consideration:
Frances Beatty, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee commented:
“Cannock Chase is already hugely popular and the number of visitors will inevitably increase still further over the next decade and beyond, not least as a result of local housing growth.
“Cannock Chase is a priceless resource that we all enjoy. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that we keep it special. This includes giving careful consideration to the way that we visit and use the Chase”.
“The AONB Joint Committee welcomes the proposals for car parking and visitor management put forward by the SAC Partnership, as a way to safeguard the ecology and landscape of Cannock Chase whilst retaining people’s use and enjoyment of the Chase”
“I would encourage everyone who loves Cannock Chase to read the proposals in detail and work together to keep the Chase special.”
The AONB Position Statement highlights that:
Notes
Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee, comprises elected members from the five local authorities which cover the protected landscape (Staffordshire County Council, Stafford Borough, Cannock Chase District, South Staffordshire District and Lichfield District).
The housebuilding analysis referred to was prepared by consultants for the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation Partnership and published in 2017.
View the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation Partnership’s conservation proposals.
View the AONB Position Statement.
View Staffordshire County Council’s response to the proposals.
2019/20 was another busy and successful year for the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.
Our latest Annual Review has just been published. It highlights some of our many achievements to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of Cannock Chase, and balance our responsibility to look after its precious ecology whilst at the same time connect people with this nationally important landscape.
Our AONB Team, our partners and local communities are working together to save the unique character of Cannock Chase by:
Frances Beatty, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee commented:
“I would encourage everyone who loves Cannock Chase to read what we continue to achieve on your behalf. The landscape, wildlife and heritage of Cannock Chase is a priceless resource enjoyed by millions of visitors each year as well as those who live and work on it”.
“As ever, I would like to thank everyone for their continued co-operation and commitment to the AONB, especially Defra and our local authorities – Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Stafford Borough Council, Lichfield District Council and South Staffordshire Borough Council”
The year ended with everyone facing the worry and uncertainty of the coronavirus outbreak. Councillor Beatty added:
“The surge in popularity of Cannock Chase since the easing of lockdown restrictions shows how much we value our protected landscapes for raising our spirits and for physical exercise. People have headed for open spaces and are fortunate to have an internationally important place to visit. It is important to understand that it is fragile and can be damaged, so when you do visit please do so responsibly and with care and consideration for others. It is essential that we all work together to keep the Chase special for future generations”.
Do you have a project in mind that will make a difference to the landscape, wildlife, heritage and communities of Cannock Chase?
Community groups, schools, organisations and individuals could be eligible for a grant of up to £3,000 from Cannock Chase AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).
The fund is provided by Defra, and you will need to demonstrate that your project will have an environmental, economic or social benefit – ideally a combination of all three.
Applications need to be submitted before 8 September 2020 and any project granted funds must be completed before the end of March 2021.
For grants of £500 or under we can fund up to 100% of the project costs to support small projects and grass roots community organisations. For awards over £500 we usually ask for match funding of 25% – 50% but this can be from a variety of sources including ‘in kind’ contributions such as volunteer time or the loan of premises or equipment.
You do not have to live or work within Cannock Chase but you must be able to demonstrate that your project will have a direct positive impact upon the AONB, have a wider public benefit and support one or more of the priorities set out in the Cannock Chase AONB management plan.
Of the grant scheme, Frances Beatty, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee commented:
“Over the many years the scheme has been operating it has helped to fund projects such as educational and interpretational work, conserving wildlife, and improving health and wellbeing through the arts, all very different but all with the conservation of the unique landscape at their heart. This grant is a very small recognition of the exceptional work by local volunteers and organisations year on year, all with a love of the Chase”.
For more information and how to apply, please see our ‘funding for your project’ page.
Image credit: Paul Roberts, Lead Ranger Shugborough Estate & Staffordshire Countryside, National Trust.
The next meeting of the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership Joint Committee is taking place at 10.30 am on Thursday 16th July 2020. The meeting is to held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Members of the public wishing to attend this meeting must contact the AONB Team in advance of the meeting to be given access details.
Please email cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk, or call 01785 276051.
Information on the agenda and accompanying papers for the meeting can be viewed here.
The Joint Committee is the body that leads on preparing, monitoring and reviewing the AONB Management Plan for Cannock Chase.
With warm weather forecast for Father’s Day weekend Staffordshire residents are being urged to respect the countryside and each other.
Until recent colder, damper weather discouraged some visitors, parks, lakes and rural places open to the public have been very busy as people allowed outdoors to exercise once more flocked outdoors following lockdown.
But Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Fire and Police, all district and borough councils, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Forestry England, Peak District National Park Authority, Cannock Chase AONB and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are calling for public help after a spate of fires, littering and groups of people appearing to disregard social distancing requirements.
Gill Heath, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Communities, said: “It’s great that people can get outdoors again and enjoy Staffordshire’s beautiful countryside, but people need to respect the countryside, as well as following social distancing.
“It’s plain to see that most people have been doing the right thing, but there are idiots lighting fires and barbecues where the ground is as dry as a bone, leaving piles of rubbish lying around at beauty spots and having social gatherings which look to be more than the permitted size.
“Let’s be clear. Do not light fires and barbecues, do not throw away matches or cigarettes carelessly, do not enter the water and follow the Countryside Code so our beauty spots are still beautiful for the next person to come along.”
Drivers are warned that car parks may close at short notice to enforce social distancing and that if they cannot find a place, they must not block lanes or gates needed for emergency service access – nor park across entrances to people’s homes.
Most public places still have public toilets and information centres closed so visitors should plan accordingly.
Superintendent Tom Chisholm, Head of Neighbourhood for Staffordshire Police, said: “There are many beautiful places in Staffordshire and we understand perfectly why people want to visit. The threat of infection has not gone away and everyone must take personal responsibility.
“To those visiting outdoor public spaces, please observe social distancing, park legally and considerately and don’t leave anything valuable in your vehicle.”
Dermot Hogan, Group Manager for Central Prevent and Protect for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The recent rain has done little to dampen everywhere enough to reduce the fire risk and with a few hours of sunshine the fire risk will be just as high as it was before we had the wet weather.
“We would encourage people to avoid BBQs and take a picnic instead, taking all your litter home. This includes cigarette ends, they can cause a fire which can quickly spread, impacting on the wider community and wildlife.”
Following the Government’s updated guidance on exercising and staying safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, car parks on Cannock Chase are beginning to re-open.
Information is being constantly updated, so for the latest details on which car parks and facilities are open and what you may be asked to do during your visit, you are advised to check the websites of the major landowners:
Staffordshire County Council (for Cannock Chase Country Park)
Forestry England (for Birches Valley)
National Trust (for Shugborough Hall and Gardens)
Cannock Chase Council (for Castle Ring and Shoal Hill)
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (for Gentleshaw Common)
From Wednesday 13th May, Government guidance says that people may drive any distance to visit publicly accessible outdoor spaces and that they can sit and rest there with members of their household or with one person from another household – though they must keep at least two metres apart.
To ensure social distancing public gatherings of more than two people are still banned. Full guidance can be found here, or by watching this video #StayAlert #Coronavirus https://t.co/dRjGoZPLzj
The recent warm weather and dry vegetation has increased the risk of fires on Cannock Chase. Fire can endanger people’s lives and homes as well as have devastating effects on our wildlife. Please take extra care on the Chase, leave no trace of your visit, and help reduce demand on the emergency services at this particularly difficult time.
Enjoy our beautiful countryside, keep Cannock Chase special, and please remember:
STAY ALERT – CONTROL THE VIRUS – SAVE LIVES
The lockdown is continuing and the Government is asking us to stay indoors a bit longer to save lives and protect the NHS. To help you enjoy nature from your own homes, we thought we would bring the sights and sounds of Spring on Cannock Chase to you! We asked one local resident living on the Chase to share with us the wildlife that is returning to its forests and heaths.
An early morning doorstep walk on the Chase
An early Spring morning; chill, but a low bright sun sparkling through trees gives promise of a warm day to come. Hawthorn and Birch have sprung into leaf, and the gorse is in full flower, the bright green and yellow a welcome relief from the brown drab of winter. The silence that has pervaded the Chase over the last months is no more.
Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Chaffinches proclaim loudly, interspersed with the more subtle and fluid notes of the Robin and the liquid waterfall song of the Willow Warbler. Standing still I can also hear the the beautiful strident song of the Blackcap, while numerous Tits and the metronome of the Chiffchaff, now eclipsed by their lookalike cousins the Willow Warbler, add to the orchestra. Spring has arrived with a sudden rush of exuberance this year.
A stroll down the hill through Brocton Coppice, where the ancient oaks are just beginning to spring into life, reveals a Redstart, as usual proclaiming from the tree top, bright handsome plumage striking against the blue sky. A male Mandarin Duck sitting on a horizontal branch several metres above the ground is a strange but welcome sight. These naturalised immigrants nest in tree holes, often some distance from water, and it seems they are now adding a touch of the exotic to our local patch.
On the heath and in the valleys Tree Pipits parachute gracefully, singing as they tumble, while skylarks hang high overhead, their liquid notes floating on the breeze. Fallow Deer are everywhere, seemingly enjoying the peace of an empty Chase, the females fat with the promise of new life. At our feet Peacock Butterflies race past, and Green Hairstreaks flit among the Bilberry and Gorse. An occasional Brimstone floats past, while in woodland glades a lone Speckled Wood chases off all comers, defending his patch.
A Cuckoo echoes his call, elusive as ever, safely arrived back from sub-Saharan Africa.
Spring has truly sprung.
Please remember what you need to do during the Coronavirus crisis – ‘Stay at Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives’.
Our normal lives may be on hold for the time being, but there are ways you can bring nature into your homes or learn about the environment. Here are some suggestions to help you keep up your spirits during the lockdown.
Staying in touch with nature
Staying in touch with nature during the coronavirus lockdown might seem a tricky thing to achieve while we are being told to stay away from each other, avoid unnecessary travel and exercise locally. However, there are still many ways we can experience our natural environment, even if you have limited local access to greenspace. Chris Packham, for example, has launched an online birdwatching community called the Self Isolation Bird Club, to offer an escape for those self-isolating due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. Drawing people together to focus on enjoying and engaging with wildlife, Chris has created a space for wildlife-lovers across Twitter and Facebook to share their findings with one another. From beautiful blue tits in the garden to the sound of robins singing, the videos and photos are celebrating the best of the great outdoors — and it’s easy for everyone to get involved. You can join the thousands of nature watchers taking part through the Facebook page he’s set up, the Self-Isolating Bird Club . Chris is also live-streaming from the New Forest at 9 am every morning.
Farmers launch #LockdownLearning initiative for home education
Farmers and growers from across Britain are hoping to inspire and educate children about food and where it comes from as a part of a new #LockdownLearning project. The free, online resource comes as thousands of parents are now home-schooling their children due to the coronavirus. The project, which was developed by the NFU and the team of farmers at EatFarmNow, provides exciting educational farming activities for children while they are away from school, helping to build their knowledge of science and technology alongside learning all about food production. Children will hear first-hand about how their food gets from farm to fork, with well-known farming faces such as Countryfile’s Adam Henson and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty documenting their farming journey through online videos and social media. The project will focus on different themes over the next four weeks, starting with an Easter theme for over the Easter holiday and then focusing on horticulture, food and technology in agriculture. Educational resources designed by the NFU’s education team of former teachers will be available for parents to use, as well as activities from other educational farming programmes.
Bumblebee Conservation Trust Learning Zone
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust has a range of free educational activities designed for children and young persons from age 4 to 11+ to develop their knowledge and understanding of bumblebees, the challenges and threats they face, and how children can become a guardian of bumblebees to secure their future.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – 24 March UPDATE
Following yesterday’s government announcement, it is clear that the best thing to do right now is to STAY AT HOME to limit the spread of coronavirus. Heading to a beauty spot like Cannock Chase is not essential travel, and local amenities will be closed.
So please ignore all previous advice and STAY AT HOME.
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Team
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – UPDATE
18 March 2020
Contacting us
In accordance with latest Government guidance the Cannock Chase AONB team is working remotely for the foreseeable future. If you would like to contact us please email the relevant team member directly. Alternatively, email us at cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk. We will respond to you as soon as we can.
Events and meetings
Our events and meetings, and those planned by our partners, are being cancelled, postponed, or conducted remotely where possible. If you are due to attend an event or meeting please contact the organiser.
Enjoying the landscape safely
If you are able to go out, Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is still open for restorative fresh air and sunshine, exercise, and mood boosting as long as you follow the latest Government guidance. With 69 square kilometres of forests, heaths and countryside and over 150 km of footpaths or bridleway there is plenty of space for you to enjoy the outdoors safely if you are able to.
Visitor centres/hubs
If you are thinking of going to one of the Visitor Centre/Hubs on and around the Chase please check them first for further information.
Stay safe.
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team
To protect visitors and volunteers from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Great War Hut at Marquis Drive Visitor Centre is temporarily closed from today (17 March 2020).
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
We are closely monitoring the situation, and will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Cannock Chase AONB Unit
Email: cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk
