Popularity surge prompts new countryside vision

Country Parks such as Cannock Chase, pictured, have seen a huge increase in popularity since 2020.

Staffordshire’s much-loved country parks and green spaces are to receive new backing after a resurgence of popularity during – and following - the pandemic.

Increased public interest in their use, their vital contribution to the county’s reputation for a good quality of life and a new commitment to support wildlife and biodiversity are the driving forces behind Staffordshire County Council’s proposals.

Steps under consideration for the country parks estate include additional investment, greater use of volunteers, a ‘friends’ scheme offering additional benefits and improved café facilities, while an option to outsource management of the parks would be removed.

Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Communities and Culture, said:

Staffordshire residents reconnected with their country parks during the pandemic when they appreciated having such treasures on their doorstep.

Not only have we seen use increase over the last two years, but we noticed a greater interest in what the sites have to offer and visitors asking how they could contribute to that.

As custodians of thousands of acres of countryside, we’re thrilled by that change and are investing more resources in our country parks and open spaces so that they continue to be one of the jewels in Staffordshire’s crown.”

The County Council’s estate includes country parks at Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Apedale, Consall, Greenway Bank and Deep Hayes, plus nine picnic or smaller sites and three greenways.

Proposals now under consideration include:

• additional investment from the county council;
• more bids for third-party grants after recent success funding developments at Chasewater;
• expanding café and business facilities, with increased retail opportunities where appropriate;
• extending car parking charges to more sites, with a permit scheme covering multiple places;
• working with health providers to create opportunities for ‘health walks’, dementia trails and to encourage more active lifestyles.

Early in the pandemic, countryside staff noticed a huge increase in visitors coming for their permitted exercise and then, as easing of lockdown combined with good weather in the spring and early summer of 2020, the council’s country parks were inundated with people.

Victoria Wilson added:

There was a noticeable increase in visitors and the feedback was tremendous with people ‘discovering’ what was available on their doorstep.

Popularity brings its own problems, some of the sites are more environmentally sensitive than others and we have to balance carefully the maintenance of free access with protection and maintenance of the wildlife and landscape that makes them special places.

We have more work to do on developing this plan, but the principles underpinning these proposals will allow us the flexibility to maintain and manage our parks while investing in their future.”