The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funded adder conservation project has moved forward at a pace thanks to the enthusiasm of ARG UK,  local volunteers from the Birmingham & Black Country and Shropshire & Staffordshire ARG groups, and local land managers and partners. 

Over just two days in September and October, 11 adders and 61 common lizards were found by the team, soaking up the last few rays of sunshine ahead of their long winters’ hibernation.  Excitingly, these included newly born adders, demonstrating the importance of these locations for their summer feeding and birthing spots.  Habitat work continued over the winter months to benefit reptiles, including on the heathland around the German War Cemetery, where volunteers are creating habitat features including banks and hibernation sites for reptiles in partnership with countryside rangers.

The vulnerable fragmented adder populations found across the landscape to the east of Hazelslade NNR and Castle Ring Ancient Monument are also being connected with support from land managers around the area, to optimise conditions for reptiles, and enable healthy populations to thrive.

At the National Trust Shugborough Estate, there is another programme of sensitive management for bracken and bare ground creation, to benefit: amphibians and reptiles, small mammals, ground-nesting birds and invertebrates led by the National Trust team with support from the volunteers.

Thanks to all partners including: Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Staffordshire County Council, Forestry England, the National Trust Shugborough Estate and the Mine Remediation Authority.

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Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation Partnership will be running a variety of activities  throughout 2025 to raise awareness about the invertebrates of Cannock Chase. Invertebrates are animals without backbones.

The amazing diversity of invertebrates and their role in ecosystems and our survival mustn’t be underestimated. They pollinate our food crops, break down dead matter and are vital for the survival of many plant and animal species. Yet, in the UK, there has been a dramatic decline in their numbers and diversity since 1970’s. Invertebrates such as insects, spiders and millipedes have been found on average in 13% fewer places now than in 1970.

Cannock Chase National Landscape has a fantastic diversity of invertebrates, some of them highly colourful, unusual, and uncommon. Over 2,500 species have been recorded on the Chase over the past 25 years, of which 226 species are legally protected and/or threatened. Heathland areas, woodland habitats and decaying wood features, as well as diverse standing and running water wetland habitats are all important for their assemblages of invertebrates.

Some of the activities that the SAC Partnership will be doing include a stand at the Staffordshire Invertebrate Fair, to be held at Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent on the 1st March. In the summer, there will be a range of events and activities for all ages during Insect Week 23rd- 29th June.

There will be additional opportunities for schools, Citizen Science projects to take part in and information about species on the SAC website, link below. 

The invertebrate audit of Cannock Chase can be read here.

Image credit Katunchik

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Please take extra care when out walking your dogs on Cannock Chase in the next few weeks, as vulnerable adders emerge from hibernation. As the species faces increasing threats, dog walkers and other site users can play a vital role in their conservation. With temperatures beginning to rise, adders are starting to wake from their winter slumber. Cold spells, however, cause them to be sluggish, making them particularly susceptible to encounters with curious dogs. Adders are shy creatures that will avoid interactions with people and dogs where possible. However, they may bite if they feel threatened and they are venomous.

Ground nesting birds like the Nightjar are also susceptible at this time of year. Disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nests, and predators like foxes and crows will quickly investigate if the parents leave. The numbers of ground nesting birds in the UK are declining due to loss of habitat and disturbance by people and dogs. 

We urge everyone to stick to the paths and keep dogs on a short lead or at heel at all times to avoid disturbing these wonderful animals and birds. 

Be a Cannock Chase Champion and follow the code, found towards the bottom of this newsletter.

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Breaking news:- Defra Minister Steve Reed has today confirmed that farmers and land managers in England’s protected landscapes can now apply for funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme until March 2026. 

The programme offers grants for projects in National Parks and National Landscapes. More information from Defra can be found here.

These grants support projects that: 

• help nature recover 
• reduce the impacts of climate change 
• protect and enhance cultural heritage 
• improve access to and enjoyment of our beautiful landscapes

If you would like to know more please contact our FiPL officers Claire Geoghegan or Karen Davies.

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Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership together with CPRE Staffordshire,  have organised two star gazing events for members of Staffordshire Scouts from Rugeley cubs on Wednesday 12th and 26th of February at  the Wolseley Centre. Professional astronomers from Keele University’s Observatory brought their telescope to allow children and young people to enjoy great views of the night sky. Explaining what we can see, both with and without a telescope and talk about how to reduce light pollution.

The National Landscape Partnership created a Good Lighting Guide, published in 2023, which demonstrates how simple changes to the way we light our homes, businesses and neighbourhoods can have big impacts.

Good Lighting Guide  

The first Walking Cannock Chase booklet with 14 circular walks in and around Cannock Chase has been published with support from the Ramblers Staffordshire. All walks include description, a map and range from short 1 mile routes to longer 9 mile hikes. Currently available at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Marquis Drive, Canalside Farmshop and Cafe in Great Haywood. Stafford, Cannock, Rugeley and Lichfield libraries now also have copies available.

Each booklet is just £3.50 each.

If you are a business and would like to stock copies please contact me direct below to find out more.

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