Farming in Protected Landscapes - Case Studies
Adders in the National Landscape
Awarded £14,687.68
2023/24 and 2024/25
Spear-headed by the Amphibian and Reptile Group (ARG) UK, and with the involvement of numerous partners and landowners, work has taken place across the Chase to learn about and help conserve adders. Phase 1 involved creating a comprehensive ‘Habitat Suitability Model’ which enabled the identification of sites where habitat works would improve or connect ‘good habitat’ to encourage more sustainable and resilient adder populations. Phase 2 has supported practical habitat improvements for adders including habitat restoration, hibernaculum creation and improving connectivity between sites. An ‘Advice Note on Managing Habitat for Adders’ for land managers has also been written.
Barn Restoration, Beaudesert Park Farm, Upper Longdon
Awarded £85,000
2024/25
The historic barn at Beaudesert Park Farm is one of the last remnants of the Beaudesert Estate, once owned by Lord Paget, Marquis of Anglesey. Funding from FiPL’s Historic Building Restoration Grant (HBRG) has paid for urgent roof restoration and repairs to the gutters, internal and external walls, oak window frames, double oak doors, overhead pulley systems, and glass tiles and rooflights. The restoration has enabled the barn to be fully used for farming and protected part of the National Landscape’s cultural heritage for many years to come.
Hedgerow and tree planting, Teddesley Park Farm, Bednall
Awarded £22,660.62
2024/25
The project has planted 366m of new Hedgerow, 35 parkland trees (succession planting of Oaks), companion planting with 35 pollinator plants, and 32 Hedgerow Trees. 5 wildlife boxes have also been installed. Two interpretation panels have been installed along the Staffordshire Way: one focussing on nature and sustainable farming and the other on the history and heritage of the Estate.
Water course and wetland restoration, New Hayes Farm
Awarded £7,376.90
2024/25
The project brought a first for Staffordshire – ‘Stage Zero Restoration’ of a tributary of the Redmoor Brook. This involved reverting a severely channelised water course to a more natural form with meanders, boggy shelves and overspills. In addition, the project included the creation of a wetland scrape, tree planting, the erection of nest boxes and installation of 4 new gates to improve access.
Habitat creation and landscape projects across Navigation Farm, near Little Haywood
Awarded £49,947
2023/24 and 2024/25
FiPL funding has supported two long-term tenants who keep horses to restore their hedgerows through planting new native hedgerows, hedgerow trees, three new copses and install wildlife boxes to encourage target species of bat and birds. In addition, new gates and fencing have been installed and significant ‘tidy up’ efforts by the tenants have added value to the FiPL funded work. The landowner has also undertaken planting of new hedgerows and hedgerow trees and this FiPL project is the first to include hedge-laying.
Hedgerow, copse and orchard restoration, Four Oaks Farm, Penkridge Bank
Awarded £16872.82.
2021/23
This project has funded a range of landscape improvements including hedgerow gapping-up, new hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Installation of field gates to improve grazing management. Improvement of small mixed plantations by planting of native trees and shrubs. Establishment of an orchard, secured by post and rail fencing to protect browsing by deer.
Regenerative farming and rotational grazing, Beaudesert Park Farm, Upper Longdon
Awarded £11,718.44
2021/23
The grant is improving sward management on the Farm by sowing 3.64 ha of herbal ley to increase biodiversity and assist. Stock health management is also being improved through the introduction of rotational grazing with associated infrastructure including bowser, shelters for stock and temporary electric fencing.
Increasing educational access to farms, Beaudesert Park Farm, Upper Longdon
Awarded: £13,016.
2023/24
Funding has supported LEAF Education (Linking Environment And Farming) to deliver on-farm training sessions for school staff. Post-session teacher training packs have also been produced for school classes to learn more about farming and Cannock Chase National Landscape.
Preservation of Castle Ring Iron Age hill fort, Cannock Wood
Awarded £9,917.60
2022/23
Funding supported the removal of invasive scrub across the Scheduled Ancient Monument to prevent deterioration of the structure from roots.
Habitat and water quality improvements, Brook Farm, Chorley
Awarded: £19,133.85
2022/23
Planting of new hedgerows on old field boundaries to restore the landscape and create and connect habitats. Plant new hedgerow trees to restore the landscape and create habitats Protect Maple Brook from stock damage by installation of new fencing. Install water supply and trough to provide water to stock excluded from Maple Brook.
Hedgerow planting, Walton
Awarded: £10,910.75
2022/23
Funding has supported Berkswich Parish Council to plant of new hedgerows along a woodland edge to create and connect habitats.
Contacts
If you have a question about the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, please speak to one of the FiPL Officers:
Claire Geoghegan
claire.geoghegan@staffordshire.gov.uk
Office 01785 277397
Mobile 07773 663800
Karen Davies
karen.davies1@staffordshire.gov.uk
Office 01785 895072
Mobile 07973 695553
Our work
Our work is wide-ranging and spans across our four integrated strategic aims for Nature, Climate, People and Place.
You can find out here about the current projects we are working on, how our funding streams can support you and discover the variety of advice and guidance that is available, including resources to download.
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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