Welcome to Cannock Chase
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Welcome to Cannock Chase!
Cannock Chase is an important and precious landscape for the wildlife and species that live here and the people who come here to enjoy it.
It is a protected landscape, a historic landscape, a working landscape and a place where people come to unwind and enjoy the open air, forest and heathland.
Fungi Collecting on the Protected Landscape
Autumn is an amazing time of year and there is a lot going on with the wildlife on the Chase for us all to see and enjoy.
When conditions are suitable mycelium that lives under the ground send up its fruiting bodies – fungi*. These brilliant organisms form an important part of the biodiversity of the Chase. They break down dead matter making nutrients available to other plants and organisms within the soil.
Large areas of Cannock Chase are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and it is illegal to damage or remove plants and fungi without the appropriate licences from Natural England. All of Cannock Chase SAC is also SSSI (see map)
Please enjoy the fungi on the Chase but leave them to play their part in the habitats that we all enjoy.
*fungi/mushrooms different terms for the same thing.
Giving Nature Space to Thrive
Cannock Chase is the largest green space in the Midlands and is enjoyed by over 2.5 million visitors a year. The unintentional damage to habitats and species by visitors needs to be reduced to allow the Chase to thrive for the future.
Find out about the habitats and species of Cannock Chase here Care for the Chase .
Please follow the Cannock Chase Code and the simple steps mentioned below and enjoy your visit with as little impact as possible on the precious and protected landscape.
Fire Risk
The naturally dry heathland and the precious ancient woodland on the Chase is extremely vulnerable to fire. There have been several fires in the last few weeks.
Barbecues and fires of any sort are not permitted anywhere on the Chase including the woods, heathland, visitor centres and car parks.
Take all your litter home
Dispose of cigarettes responsibly
If you see a barbecue or fire call 999 and ask for the fire service.
Paws, Wheels, Hooves and Feet on Paths
Please keep to the main, official paths whether you are on foot, bike or horse and keep your dog close to you too.
This leaves undisturbed habitat for the several species of birds that nest on the ground and protected reptiles.
Please pick up your dog’s poo and take it and your litter home.
Dog poo is full of nutrients that changes the nature of the soil. This means that the protected plant species are unable to flourish and the communities of invertebrates that live on the plants and the birds, bats and reptiles that rely on the invertebrates are unable to thrive.
Plan Your Day
Use our map to explore the Chase and plan your day.
For cycling and adventure activities try Cannock Chase Forest Centre.
For family walks and play try Cannock Chase Visitor Centre Marquis Drive.
For a historic landscape try Shugborough Estate.
For hay meadows and waterfowl try the Wolseley Centre.
For walks around the lake try Chasewater Country Park.
