As you know 2025 marks the start of our new five year management plan for Cannock Chase National Landscape, setting out our ambitions to do more for Nature, Climate, People and Place.   It is fitting, therefore, that the theme of this year’s conference is Delivering Change.  We invite you to join with us and our contributors and other delegates to explore how we can work together, collaboratively, creatively and more inclusively to turn our ambitions into reality. The Conference is being hosted at Beau Desert Golf Club, a championship heathland golf course set in the heart of the National Landscape on Thursday 19th June 2025.

A participatory art activity will take place on the day where you can get involved in imagining a greener future. There will also be an opportunity to go on a walking tour of the heathland conservation work on the golf course.

To find out more details about the final programme, speakers, how you can get involved on the day and to book your place click on the button below.

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Our Management Plan is the single most important policy document for the National Landscape.  Following public consultation, the fifth edition of the Plan was adopted on 1^st April 2025, and sets out a wide-ranging and ambitious programme of work for the next five years.

The Plan will drive forward nature recovery and contribute to the Government’s target of protecting 30% of our land for nature by 2030 (30by30).  We have set a pathway for the National Landscape to be net zero and will need to think creatively about how we deliver the challenging tree planting targets and changes to agricultural practices this will require. We will be taking measures to reinforce the Chase’s distinctive sense of place and protect its landscapes and rich heritage.  We will also be continuing our essential work to make people feel a part of Cannock Chase, including improving our welcome and the quality of the experience for visitors from all backgrounds and abilities. 

Working collaboratively for the National Landscape and pooling our skills, expertise and resources is essential to delivering our ambitions, and everyone can make a contribution.

View the Plan here

The National Landscape currently has funding available for projects that conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Chase. Therefore please let us know your ideas and what you would like money for and we will send over an application form for you to complete. You need to be based in or close to Cannock Chase. The closing date for applications has been extended to midnight 15th June 2025. Previous projects that have been given funding include installation of bird and bat boxes, creating wildlife gardens, heritage projects, wildlife surveys to name a few.

More information

It’s been over a year since Staffordshire Wildlife Trust began managing a heathland corridor on Cannock Chase. The Trust took on the lease of Forestry England owned land, located off Penkridge Bank Road in 2024 and they’ve been working hard with volunteers and contractors over the site all winter. 

They’ve recently introduced some new residents to help create the perfect heathland habitat. A small herd of cattle moooved in to gently graze the site over summer, further reducing the scrub that dedicated volunteers and contractors have been tackling over winter. This will help create a mosaic of different height vegetation to support a variety of wildlife.

At the end of summer, the bracken will be rolled and cut before more scrub clearance takes place over winter.

You can read all about the Trust’s work in Senior Heathland Officer Hayley’s blog below.

Blog

Would you like to do your bit for wildlife conservation in your local area? If you would, and you know your heathland birds, the British Trust for Ornithology needs your help. The BTO are organising a Nationwide survey to understand the distribution of three key species, woodlark, Dartford warbler and nightjar with Cannock Chase a focus for the survey. 

If you're interested you can learn more and select a survey square through the website below.

Take part

Further to the fire at Gentleshaw Common please note and help to share the message that barbecues, fires and naked flames are not allowed on any part of the Chase at anytime. With warmer weather and the ground already very dry we need to prevent incidences like this happening in the future. 

For more information please do take note of Staffordshire's Fire and Rescue service Don't be blamed for the Flames . If you see a fire call 999 as soon as possible.

We need to remember the Cannock Chase code to protect, respect and enjoy Cannock Chase to prevent future damage to plants and wildlife.

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Are you a history buff? Do you like people? Do you love Cannock Chase? Do you want to share your knowledge of the Chase with others? If you have answered yes please read on. We are currently actively looking for new volunteers in the Great War Hut, Marquis Drive and providing information at Milford Hut.  Please contact us and let us know which role you are particularly interested in and we will forward relevant information over to you.

There are also lots of surveys and recording of various species that happen throughout the year and we can signpost you to the relevant organisations who require volunteers for this type of work too. Again please let us know in your email your area of interest.

More information

The open country and common land rights require that you must keep your dog on a short lead between 1st March and 31st July and all year round when near farm animals. This is to protect ground nesting birds and other wildlife from being disturbed. More information can be found on the Countryside Code.

Pick up one of the Canine Calendars from any of the Visitor Centres to help you enjoy the Chase whilst keeping your dog safe and allowing the special habitats and species to thrive. More information can be found here from the Special Area of Conservation Partnership website.

Countryside Code