About Cannock Chase
A National Landscape
Nestled in Staffordshire in the heart of the West Midlands, Cannock Chase was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958 for the natural beauty of its heaths, forests and historic parkland, presenting an unspoilt wilderness that contrasts with the surrounding built-up conurbations.
Landscape
Cannock Chase occupies a domed plateau landform, created by ancient faulting and folding of the rocks, which has been eroded by rivers and streams, particularly on its northern edge by the River Trent.
Over this landform a varied landscape of heathland, woodland, wood pasture, parkland, mixed pastoral and arable farmland and traditional farmsteads has evolved over the centuries. The large blocks of heathland and woodland in the centre of the National Landscape contrast with the smaller scale farmed countryside, bisected by thick hedgerows and narrow lanes, around its fringes.
Wildlife and nature
The National Landscape is home to an amazing variety of wildlife that lives within internationally important and fragile heathlands, rare wetlands, forest plantations, ancient woodland and wood-pasture, and farmland.
Wildness and tranquillity
Cannock Chase is a surprising haven of tranquillity and wildness compared to the busy towns and roads that surround it, providing popular spaces for informal recreation, such as the Shugborough Estate, Marquis Drive and Birches Valley, as well as less visited spots for quiet contemplation and watching nature.
Additional qualities
The National Landscape is defined by its communities and those who visit it. There is a wide range of local communities and interest groups who cherish and help care for the Chase and its designated status.
More than 50% of the Chase is accessible greenspace and a network of well-maintained rides and paths through woodland and heathland providing opportunities for stimulating exercise and exploration. Some 3 million visits are made to the Chase annually.
Special Area of Conservation
18% (4.9 square miles) of the National Landscape is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is one of the best areas in the UK for European dry heath and is the most extensive in the Midlands region.
About the Chase
Cannock Chase National Landscape is a beautiful wilderness in Staffordshire in the heart of the West Midlands. Find out more about this landscape and what makes it special.
Our Partnership
Find out more about the team, our joint committee, partners, volunteers and organisations. You will also find our annual reviews and meetings detail here.
About Cannock Chase
Find out more about the landscape, wildlife, nature, history and heritage the wildness and tranquility.
Latest news
The news posts below provide more information on work in progress and latest news of Cannock Chase and our partners.
Take a look at the latest Cannock Chase National Landscape e-newsletter for May 2026. Booking is now open for the Annual Conference 2026. You can find
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Join us for Cannock Chase National Landscape Annual Conference 2026, and a day of networking, learning and sharing ideas! This year’s conference is being held
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Take a look at the latest Cannock Chase National Landscape e-newsletter for April 2026. The National Landscape offers a range of grants that can help
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We are pleased to announce that the Cannock Chase National Landscape Annual Conference will be held on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at the Aquarius Ballroom,
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Take a look at the latest Cannock Chase National Landscape e-newsletter for March 2026. The e-newsletter will keep you up to date on news from
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This is a face-to-face meeting taking place on Monday 16th March 2026 at 2pm at the Main Conference Room, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Centre ST17
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