Managing Cannock Chase

We will update this site with details in due course. As originally suggested, there are several principles, we propose based on our initial engagement work and the suggestions that people made. These include:

• An area at the northern end of the site would be left un-grazed to reduce the impact on residential areas and allow a recreational area where no cattle would be encountered.
• Grazing would be managed in sections, meaning large parts of the site would be cattle‑free at any one time. This allows people to choose where they go and avoid grazed areas if they wish.  
• Where fencing is needed near roads or residential areas, traditional fencing would be used for safety and to give people confidence roaming ungrazed areas.
• Appropriate gates for rights of way, bridle ways and well used paths will be provided to ensure the site remains as accessible as possible   
• If possible, we intend to use ‘virtual’ fencing inside the site to reduce the amount of physical fencing in the landscape.   
• We would also provide clear information showing where cattle are grazing at any given time, so visitors can plan their visit with confidence.

The New Forest has successfully combined conservation grazing with high levels of recreational use for many years.

Indicative Time scales for next steps:

Since our original engagement work, we have been carrying on with the mechanical side of the heathland management as we have done for many years.  Areas of mature heather are cut each September by specialist machinery.   Bracken control is now done by rolling. Tree and scrub management are still carried out by teams of volunteers, staff and contractors.

Before we can look at expanding any grazing to other parts of the Chase, we would talk with local residents, visitors, user groups and environmental bodies to help shape detailed plans.  

These discussions would focus on practical matters such as fencing, access points, paths and car parks, to make sure any proposals are safe, workable and minimise impacts on how people use the site.

Once detailed plans have been developed, they would then go through a formal consultation and approval process. Much of Cannock Chase is registered as Common Land, which means any proposals involving fencing or grazing must be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent consideration and approval before anything can go ahead.