A special place

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have been renamed National Landscapes and are the nation’s finest landscapes, whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that they are protected in the national interest. 

There are 34 National Landscapes in England, 5 in Wales and 8 in Northern Ireland. 

Cannock Chase AONB was designated in 1958 for the natural beauty of its elevated heaths, forests and historic parklands, presenting an unspoilt wilderness that contrasts with the surrounding built-up conurbations of the West Midlands. 

At just 26 sq miles / 68 sq kilometres, it is the smallest mainland National Landscape in England. 

Formal legal responsibility for Cannock Chase National Landscape lies with the five local authorities that cover the area. They comprise our Joint Committee that works together with the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Partnership, landowners, emergency services, businesses and representatives of community and user groups to look after this nationally important landscape.  How we do this is set out and co-ordinated through the AONB Management Plan, delivered by a dedicated National Landscape Team and our partners.

The structure of the Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership is below:-

Cannock Chase National Landscape is a member of the National Landscapes Association – a charitable company that has been set up to work for and on behalf of the family of National Landscapes, influencing policy and decision makers, and sharing good practice.   As part of this family we are able to learn from other National Landscapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.