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.

Its landscapes are largely intact, particularly in its heathland and wood pasture, providing a historical and spatial continuity of scale, openness, semi-natural land cover, public ownership and access which is in marked contrast to the more urban and fragmented landscapes that surround it.

Inspiring views can be found, both to the elevated plateau of the Chase from surrounding areas and from the high ground of the Chase across the farmed vales and countryside of the Midlands.