Forest of Mercia
| The Forest of Mercia is a Community Forest, one of twelve throughout England. Community Forests are the country's largest environmental improvement programme. They operate in partnership with local communities and local authorities close to major towns and cities. Each Forest started with tree cover lower than the national average. It is this shortfall which each of the Community Forests seek to correct. |
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The Forest of Mercia covers about 23,000 hectares (92 square miles) of South Staffordshire and parts of the West Midlands. The Forest has a patchwork of landscape types including woodlands, public open spaces and parks, farmland, heathland remnants, and historic landscapes.
The Forest Partners are five local authorities and two government commissions:
The Natural England; Forestry Commission; Staffordshire County Council; Cannock Chase Council; Lichfield District Council; South Staffordshire Council and Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council. All provide core funding, resources and/or personnel.
The Forest of Mercia Team, a multi-disciplined group based in Cannock, provides a link between these Partners. They co-ordinate work which will meet the targets in the Forest Business Plan. This team includes, the Director, forestry specialists, practical woodland management teams, promotion, research and clerical staff. The team is based at the purpose built, timber framed Innovation Centre at Chasewater, near Burntwood. For more information, please see the contacts below.
While the Forest is a long term initiative, its benefits are already tangible. Educational opportunities within the Forest are already being used by schools and youth groups. Public access to the countryside is constantly being improved, and two new long distance 'Forest Ways' are now in place. Many existing derelict woodlands are being newly managed, opening up immediate access and leisure opportunities.
Location map of the Innovation Centre (PDF Document)
Staffordshire County Council accepts no responsibility for the content of external websites.
Last Modified:
18/11/2008 09:03:27
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