 Date: December 2023
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Welcome to Cannock Chase National Landscape - the new name for our designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our mission is to protect, conserve and enhance this special landscape and to make sure that everyone can enjoy it.
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Government's recent announcement for Protected Landscapes
The Government has announced a series of ambitious measures in a bid to further support and help improve protected landscapes’ resilience for nature and for people. The announcement includes the promise of the long-awaited final response to Julian Glover’s Landscapes Review, as well as benefits for nature and landscape, including a suite of 34 new Landscape Recovery projects. The package also includes £2.5m to help more children and disadvantaged young people experience the benefits of the great outdoors. An additional £15 million funding uplift collectively for Protected Landscapes was also announced, along with the Government’s recommitment to designate a new National Park.
Save the date - Annual Conference 2024
The Cannock Chase National Landscape Annual Conference 2024 will be held on April 25th 2024. Venue is to be confirmed in the new year.
New team member
Welcome to Liz Garbutt our new Landscape Planning Officer. Liz joined the Cannock Chase National Landscape Team in November. Liz’s will be providing landscape related planning advice on proposed developments affecting Cannock Chase and to help protect this precious landscape and it’s surroundings for today and into the future. To get in touch with Liz, her email address is liz.garbutt@staffordshire.gov.uk |
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Landowners and farmers welcomed
Farmer Mary Cope and Colin Manning of Cannock Chase National Landscape hosted an interesting morning at Beaudesert Park Farm on 29th November 2023. There was an informal farm tour to see how Farming in Protected Landscapes funding is helping Mary and the farm. Faye Edwards from Linking Education and Farming (LEAF) explained how farmers can develop their education provision, connect with communities whilst also generating an income. Register your interest in our next event by emailing Colin Manning or Karen Davies and to find out more how Farming in Protected Landscapes can help you.
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New homes for the Nightjar
Cannock Chase has been identified as the most important area in the West Midlands for the Nightjar. They are ground nesting birds that migrate from Africa to breed here between May and August. Nightjars are nocturnal birds hunting moths and other flying insects. Following on from a study commissioned by Cannock Chase National Landscape and delivered by West Midlands Ringing Group, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are installing nightjar plots across Cannock Chase to encourage these secretive birds to nest in preferred and safe habitats. The image shows a nightjar plot.
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Let's go below the water
A survey of aquatic invertebrates is being carried out by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, commissioned by the National Landscape to survey the ecological conditions and evaluate the biological quality of the streams across all areas of Cannock Chase. The results will inform future management and will be used to help us to fulfil our primary purpose to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the National Landscape. |
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Historic Buildings Restoration Grant
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The Historic Buildings Restoration Grant enables applicants with historic farm buildings in need of restoration to access funds at a grant rate of 80% to secure and weatherproof them. It is not for maintenance or improvements. For more information contact Colin Manning.
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Happy Holidays
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Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Have a lovely break and we hope you get a chance to get out into the fresh air of Cannock Chase over the festive period and try one of the new walks.
We look forward to working with you in 2024.
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Christmas stocking ideas
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Stuck for a Christmas stocking idea for the children why not purchase the Features of Cannock Chase glossy guide? Featuring 50 species over 8 pages that are all found on Cannock Chase it is fun and at only £4 makes a superb gift.
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Be a Cannock Chase Champion
Images in this e-newsletter thanks to Robert Cartwright and Nick Mott, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
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