Managing Cannock Chase

What is conservation grazing?

Cattle grazing was undertaken by local people on the Chase before the First World War and had been a traditional way of managing the heath for centuries. Grazing helps naturally manage the vegetation so that wildlife can thrive, and the site stays open and accessible.  

Where is this currently taking place?

Our first area of Cannock Chase to be grazed is at Moors Gorse, a small area of SSSI heathland not far from the visitor centre at Marquis Drive. This area is less than 2% of the country park.  

There are several other areas locally within Cannock Chase National Landscape that already have conservation grazing in place.  CCDC’s Hednesford Hills SSSI, Cemex SSSI at Penkridge Bank, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Heathland Corridors project between Sherbrook Valley and Brindley Heath and the National Trusts Sherbrook grazing project.

How many cattle are on the site?

Conservation grazing uses low numbers of animals; there are usually 10-12 animals on the site at Moors Gorse at any time.   This equates to about 2 animals per football pitch.  You might not even see them as you walk across the area.

When are the cattle on site?

Cattle normally arrive on site each spring and remain until autumn. Exact timings depend on the weather and the growing season.

Why is cattle grazing needed?

Grazing is a natural way of managing the vegetation, mimicking the action of wild herbivores that would once have roamed through our countryside but many of which are now extinct. It helps stop competitive grasses and scrub from taking over and allows smaller flowering plants to flourish. This in turn supports more wildlife, providing food plants and nectar sources for a wider range of insects throughout the year. Grazing works alongside other management techniques (such as cutting heather and scrub and bracken rolling) and over time will reduce the need for these other techniques, making management more natural and sustainable.

Will cattle affect wildlife?

Grazing will benefit wildlife by helping manage the vegetation, creating the right conditions for more species to flourish. Using low numbers of cattle helps minimise disturbance to wildlife, including ground nesting birds, basking reptiles and burrowing insects.

Will deer still be able to use grazing areas?

Deer still use the current grazing areas and special measures have been put in place to ensure they can move around freely. Sections of railing in the fence will help the deer cross, including younger animals plus other wildlife like foxes and badgers.

How will I know if cattle are in a grazing area?

Signs on gates will show whether cattle are present. We also share updates on our social media channels.

Can I still walk in this area?

You can still walk in the grazing area at any time. We would suggest giving the cattle plenty of space as you walk through.  There are also many other routes outside the grazing area if you don’t want to walk through this particular site.  

Can I take my dog into a fenced grazing area?

Yes, you can take your dog into a fenced grazing area, but dogs must be kept under close control around livestock. On designated open access land, dogs must legally be on a lead no longer than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July, which is the main bird nesting season.

Please give livestock plenty of space and do not allow dogs to approach them. Please pick up any dog poo and do not leave poo bags on the site as these can be dangerous to livestock.

Can I ride my horse / bike in the fenced area?

There are no bridleways within the Moors Gorse grazing area, so there has never been a formal right of access for bikes / horses. You can ride along the bridleway near the fenced area in the same way as before.  

Other areas of Conservation Grazing on Cannock Chase such as Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Heathland Corridors do have bridleways through them and they have installed suitable gates for horses and bikes to access the route.

Can I feed or approach the cattle?

It is best not to approach the cattle and please do not feed them. This can encourage unhelpful behaviour and some foods are very dangerous to livestock.

What if the cattle approach me?

Cattle can be curious and may approach – calmly walk away. In the unlikely event that the cattle behave in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable leave the fenced area by the nearest gate. If you have a dog with you and cattle are chasing, it is safer to let your dog off the lead. If you experience any issues, please contact the rangers.

Are cattle dangerous?

Many busy public sites have used conservation grazing for many years and problems are extremely rare. Problems generally involve breeding animals (mothers protecting young), which is why we are using non-breeding animals.

What if I would prefer not to go near the cattle?

The current fenced area at Moors Gorse is a very small part of the country park (less than 2%) so there are plenty of routes to use if you prefer not to be near the cattle. The cattle are also only there for 6-7 months of the year.

Have people been consulted about conservation  grazing?

Yes, we have been talking to people about conservation grazing since 2016. Information about the consultation can be found on our website.  

Is this a cost cutting measure?

No. Conservation grazing is a proven, sustainable way to manage heathland. It reduces the need for machinery and chemicals and supports biodiversity. It’s about long-term environmental care, not short-term savings.

Will grazing also be reintroduced to other parts of the site?

Because of the benefits grazing brings for wildlife, we would like to extend grazing to more (but not all) of the country park. Before any further grazing is considered, there will be more discussion and consultation.