Cannock Chase Country Park

Once the hunting ground of ancient royalty, Cannock Chase is today a picturesque area of woodland walks, wildlife and superb scenery. Some 3 million people live within 20 miles of the Chase. At only 26 square miles the Chase is the smallest area to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in mainland Britain. Much of Cannock Chase is owned by Staffordshire County Council and Forest Enterprise, which manage part of it as a commercial forest.

 

Cannock Chase Country Park covers 4.5 square miles (3,000 acres) making it one of the largest country parks in England. Although the Country Park is largely 'motorless', its many car parks are easily accessible and pleasant picnic facilities abound. Large parts of the Country Park, and other parts of the Chase, are recognised as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which are important wildlife habitats. Also located on the Chase near Sherbrook Valley are a Commonwealth War Cemetery and the German Military Cemetery containing the graves of 5,000 German Servicemen from two World Wars.

The Cannock Chase Visitor Centre is located at Marquis Drive and there is a Forestry Museum at Birches Drive, the Forestry Commission's Visitor Centre. Much of the history of the Chase, and its Coal mining tradition, is told in displays and memorabilia at the Cannock Chase Museum in Hednesford.

The John O'Leary Education Centre is based at the centre of the Country Park. This purpose built building offers comprehensive facilities for School Visits and National Curriculum Activities.

As part of the Country Park's Access for All activities, there are three electric 'Booster Scooters' available for free loan from the Visitor Centre. There are over two miles of traffic free waymarked routes across the park. Members of the Ranger Service give full instruction and there is no charge. This is a popular facility and advance telephone booking is advised.

There is a small car parking charge at the Visitor Centre. Regular visitors may wish to purchase a car parking season ticket which allows for parking at Marquis Drive Visitor Centre and Milford Common Car Park.

Public consultation - managing Cannock Chase

A public consultation on the management of the heathland within the Country Park took place between August 2006 and January 2007, organised by 'Resources for Change'.

A leaflet summarising key findings of the consultation and setting out the way forward was jointly produced by 'Resources for Change' and Staffordshire County Council in Spring 2007.

 The Future of Cannock Chase Country Park Leaflet

 Consultation on the Management of Cannock Chase Country Park Heathland (Full Report)

Current Practice and Future Options

For more information on current County Council practice and new management options for the Country Park, please open the  Management Issues on Cannock Chase Country Park document here.

One of the new management options being considered is re-introducing small numbers of domestic livestock to graze the heathland areas. A feasibility study on this was commissioned in 2005, and recommendations to the County Council were made by the consultants, Penny Anderson Associates. The Executive Summary is available here.

Location: An area roughly between Stafford, Cannock and Rugeley. Visitor Centre opening times: Summer: Weekdays 9.30 - 5.00 Sat/Sun 10.00 - 6.00 Winter: Weekdays bookings only Sat/Sun 2.00 - 5.00 Available all year for educational visits. Phone: 01543 871773. Café opening times: Summer: Everyday 10.00 - 5.30 Winter: Weekdays 11.00 - 3.00 Weekends 10.00 - 4.00. Phone: 01543 878690

Last Modified: 05/06/2008 13:00:15
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