A new film “Beneath our feet, an Adders’ Eye view” has just been released by Cannock Chase National Landscape and is currently available to watch here. The film highlights the importance of this iconic, secretive and most remarkable creature and the everyday issues it faces. Cannock Chase National Landscape is lucky to be a haven and stronghold for this species. A poem written and narrated by Dr Kuli Kohli and former miners from Lea Hall Colliery, a local coal mine, are co-stars and feature alongside the starring role of the adder.
Adder conservation on the Chase has moved forward at pace, thanks to the enthusiasm and guidance of the Amphibian and Reptile (ARG) UK Group, all its partners, volunteers and landowners with funding from Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.
The first phase of the adder project involved on the ground surveys and monitoring to establish the distribution and abundance of adders and produced an ‘adder habitat suitability model’. This then enabled the identification of sites where works could improve or connect ‘good habitat’ to encourage more sustainable and resilient adder populations. Partners and landowners are now working to carry out these improvements.
The film makers hope that the film will help to increase public understanding, awareness and respect of adders and ensure that they continue to thrive on the Chase. Other National Landscapes around the UK are now using the lessons learnt from Cannock Chase as best practice to secure the long term survival of the species on our isles.
Angela Julian from ARG UK, who has led this groundbreaking project explained: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership to give a voice to the wildlife and communities who live alongside each other on Cannock Chase, particularly our native adders which are now so vulnerable. It was truly an honour to be able to convey the pride and passion which local people have for this beautiful landscape.”
Tony Pearce, Chair of the Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership added: “This project is a terrific example of innovative science, volunteer enthusiasm, and partnership working and funding giving a helping hand to one of the Chase’s most iconic animals”.
Click here to see the film.
