Ancient Woodland

One of the key protected habitats on Cannock Chase is the ancient woodland of Brocton Coppice which is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the Special Area of Conservation.

Brocton Coppice is one of the largest concentrations of ancient and veteran oaks in Staffordshire.  The trees are a remnant of the forest that once stretched across the royal hunting ‘forest’ that was much larger than Cannock Chase is today.

Ancient and veteran trees are home to many more species than their younger counterparts.  Hollows containing water, dead or dying limbs, broad reaching branches, and spreading roots create habitats within habitats that have their own set of conditions ideal for moss, lichen invertebrates and fungi which in turn feed larger species including bats birds and mammals.

How you can help

Keep to the Public Bridleways

The soil of ancient woodland is incredibly important, it has built up over centuries, it’s structure and the organisms within it are vital for the health of the trees.

Soil compaction from feet, wheels and hooves is a huge problem for these vulnerable trees and their fragile root systems.

There are lots of public bridleways through the Coppice so walkers, cyclist and horse riders can enjoy the woodland whist allowing the ancient trees to survive to their full extent.

The blue dashed lines show the routes of the bridleways through the coppice.  All the Public Rights of Way through Brocton Coppice are bridleways which means you can walk cycle or ride a horse along any of the routes marked on the map with a blue dotted line.  Find out more about the network of bridleways by visiting  UK Bridleway Finder.

Don’t Dig or Disturb the Soil

Regeneration of the woodland relies on the soil ecosystem being intact, it looks like mud but it is a living community of microscopic species working hard to keep the precious woodland alive.

Leave the Trees and the Wood in the Wood.

Any wood connected to the trees must be left, damaging the trees in any way is illegal. Dead limbs and unusual growths are part of the veteran tree and an important part of it’s life cycle.  Rangers will carry out safety work on trees close to the paths but try to leave as many of the trees as possible to natural processes.

Branches on the woodland floor provide habitat for important fungi and invertebrate species.  The invertebrates in turn feed bat and bird species within the wood.

Find out more about the importance of deadwood

Report any Fires

Fires of all types including barbecues are prohibited right across the Chase.  This is a protected landscape full of special and vulnerable species.  If you see a fire please call the Fire Service and give the most accurate location as you can with What 3 Words.

Take your Litter & Dog Poo Home

Let’s keep this woodland clean and special, bring poo bags and take them and your litter home with you.  We are all visitors to this special place, let’s be good guests and keep it clean.