Over 125 heathland specialists, land managers and conservation professionals from across the UK and Europe gathered in Staffordshire this month as Cannock Chase National Landscape supported the National Heathland Conference 2026. The three-day event, held at Yarnfield Park Conference Centre from 8 to 10 September, provided an opportunity to share expertise, explore new approaches to conservation and discuss the future management of some of the country’s most valuable heathland habitats.
Held every two years, the conference explored a wide range of topics affecting heathland management. Sessions covered wilding and grazing, the impacts of urbanisation, habitat restoration for pollinators, wildfire management, knowledge sharing, and the use of technology in surveying and monitoring.
Delegates also heard international perspectives on balancing recreation and conservation, learned how the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership is helping young people connect with heathland environments, and explored approaches to managing growing recreational pressures associated with increased dog ownership.
As part of the programme, delegates visited a number of sites across Cannock Chase National Landscape. Visits included Shugborough Estate and Sherbrook Valley, where attendees learned how wildlife is already benefiting from the Connecting Cannock Chase Corridor project.
A second tour showcased heathland restoration initiatives at Beau Desert Golf Club, Gentleshaw Common and Castle Ring Iron Age Hillfort. Delegates also heard about ongoing conservation work to support key species, including the Adder.
Tony Pearce, Chairman of the Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership said: “Hosting the conference provided a valuable opportunity to raise the profile of Cannock Chase National Landscape and highlight the nationally important heathland habitats that make the area one of England’s most distinctive protected landscapes. We were delighted to showcase the important conservation work taking place across Cannock Chase and to demonstrate how partnership working is helping to deliver benefits for wildlife, people and the wider landscape.”
Natalia Azzopardi, Warden said: “Attending this conference inspired me and gave me the boost I needed. It reminded me why I’m doing what I’m doing, and that what we do is so important. It helped me connect with others who share similar feelings, and experience the same situations. A lot can be said for conversations with like-minded individuals as well as hearing inspiring talks and visiting beautiful landscapes.
Thank you to those putting in the hard work to make it happen. You’ve given those of us early on in our careers, a wonderful community to be a part of and a host of people to be in awe of.”
Recordings from the conference will be made available online.