A project to deliver a new viewing platform and a series of artist-designed benches on several improved trails around Brindley Heath is now complete.
Funded by Sport England through National Lottery, the Cannock Chase Wayfinding Project is a partnership between Staffordshire County Council, Together Active, Cannock Chase District Council, and Hednesford Town Council with additional funding for accessibility improvements from Cannock Chase National Landscape.
The project's aim was to improve access to the Chase for local communities, encouraging people to get outdoors, connect with nature, and explore this beautiful National Landscape on their doorstep.
Fifteen benches have been installed along a freshly resurfaced half-mile circular path, leading from Brindley Heath Road car park to Marquis Drive Visitor Centre. This project also funded a shorter 1km trail from Camp Field car park to the new viewing platform over Brindley Heath.
Each bench, designed by local artists in collaboration with schools and community groups, features artwork that celebrates Cannock Chase's wildlife and important heritage sites. Designs include nightjar, deer, adders, the miner's Davy Lamp, and the War Memorial.
Some of the benches have also been built with the ability to be lowered so that wheelchair users can move onto the benches with ease.
The benches were created with input from 250 local residents and each one has a QR code that visitors can scan with their smartphones to reveal stories about the area's rich history, wellbeing tips and facts about local wildlife.
Patrick Allen, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:
The benches are a wonderful addition to an already beautiful route around Brindley Heath. Each one gives people a chance to pause, take in their surroundings and learn a little more about the place they're visiting.
It has been lovely to see local artists and residents come together to shape this project, and I want to thank everyone who contributed. I hope people exploring the improved trail enjoy discovering the artwork along the way and taking a well-earned rest when they need one."
The first phase of the Wayfinding Project saw the installation of a new wooden viewing platform, offering walkers breathtaking views of Brindley Heath. This was completed last Autumn.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Partnerships and Place at Sports England, said:
This project shows the power of putting local people at the heart of creating places to be active.
By bringing communities, schools and partners together, it’s made Cannock Chase more accessible, more welcoming and full of reasons to explore, move and get active in nature.”
