Planning an Event on Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase is owned by several organisations and private individuals, it is important that before you start to plan an event you speak to the relevant landowners.
PDF of map for easier viewing Cannock Chase land ownership map
Cannock Chase is also a highly protected landscape with parts of the Chase under the international designation of Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and national Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. This limits the ability of of owners of the protected areas to allow activities on their sites due to their obligations under law to the protection of habitats and species.
The Areas with black cross hatching are SAC and SSSI. Organised activities in these areas require permission from Natural England as well as the landowner due to the sensitive nature of habitats and species.
PDF Map for easier viewing – Cannock Chase land ownership & protected areas
Protected Species & Habitats
The main protected habitats are the heathland (open areas of heather, bilberry, cowberry), ancient woodland (Brocton Coppice) and the water courses.
There are particular times of year or particular types of activity that landowners cannot allow to take place due to their legal obligations to the protected landscape.
For example:
- Orienteering on the open heath between early March & the end of August due to ground nesting birds and adder activity.
- Activities that involve large numbers walking, riding or wheeling through watercourses. Cannock Chase is home to the rare aquatic invertebrate species that are susceptible to contamination that can be carried on footwear, paws, hoofs and wheels.
- Night events that will disturb feeding activities of nocturnal species.
Also
Any disturbance of the soil (digging trails, building jumps) is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as is removal of vegetation and of cutting trees in the SAC or SSSI areas.
Access
Your event is not allowed to block any Public Right of Way (footpath or bridleway) the public must be able to safely use the site alongside your event.
Safety
Parts of Cannock Chase are a working forest and it has two working quarries. At any time there is likely to be active forestry operations (tree felling, large machinery, timber wagons) taking place and areas of the forest closed to keep the public safe.
There are also large expanses of water, mining and military heritage that have left a legacy in the landscape. There is a small possibility of coming across unexploded ordnance or unknown sinkholes.
Basic Requirements
It is essential that you discuss your event with all the landowners of the land you would like your event to use before you start making plans or advertising your event.
Any landowner will require;
- At least three months notice.
- That the event is covered by public liability insurance.
- Will want to see your safety plan, how you are going to prevent the public from being harmed by your event.
- That a robust risk assessment is in place.
- That you have a clear set up and clear up plan.
However having these in place will not mean you will automatically get permission.
Contact Details
Staffordshire County Council
Includes Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Marquis Drive.
Information – Planning an event on a country park – Staffordshire County Council
Contacts – cannockchasemarquisdrive@staffordshire.gov.uk Phone: 01543 871773
Forestry England
Includes Cannock Chase Forest Centre, Birches Valley.
Information Permissions and permits | Forestry England
Contact – central.district@forestryengland.uk
National Trust
Contact – shugborough@nationaltrust.org.uk