The National Association for AONBs Annual Report for 2018-19 is now available. This is the first year that AONBs have reported to new Key Performance Indicators, which are illustrated by case studies from around the UK showing the impact of the work of AONBs on nature, landscape, heritage and local communities.

Cannock Chase AONB Partnership is inviting community groups, businesses, farmers and individuals to apply for funding for projects that will benefit the AONB.

If you have an idea for a project which will bring environmental, economic, social or educational benefits to the communities within Cannock Chase AONB we want to hear from you.

A second round of the Cannock Chase AONB Sustainable Development Fund for 2019/20 is now open and applications need to be submitted by 15 November 2019.

The fund is funded by Defra and for the last ten years has enabled the AONB Partnership to support many projects which meet the primary purposes of the AONB:  to ‘conserve and enhance’ the natural beauty of the landscape.  The projects can be very different – but all have the conservation of our wonderful landscape at their core.  These have included local history projects, awareness days, leaflets about the wildlife of the AONB, practical work on local sites and nature reserves for access and wildlife, events, research projects and feasibility studies.

Applications can be made for grants up to £5000 and no project is too small.  Usually match funding of 25% – 50% will be needed but this can be from a variety of sources including ‘in kind’ contributions such as volunteer time or the loan of premises or equipment.

Of the grant scheme, Frances Beatty, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee commented:

“Funding is available to get local people thinking about how they can help keep the landscape in great shape.  We hope to receive plenty of applications and are looking forward to helping projects that will boost Cannock Chase AONB.”

For more information on how to apply contact cannockchase@staffordshire.gov.uk.

The Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Partnership is seeking views on its plans for how the internationally important wildlife habitats on Cannock Chase will be protected in the future.  The Partnership has produced two plans that set out how it will improve the visitor infrastructure at Cannock Chase, including the car parks, footpaths and visitor centres. They also look at how to raise awareness of the vital role visitors can play in protecting this special area.

The consultation runs until 29 November 2019. To read the plans and other relevant documents, please visit the consultation website at www.haveyoursaycannockchase.org.uk.

Reference copies of the plans are also available in the reception of:

• Stafford Borough Council at Riverside, Civic Centre, Stafford ST16 3AQ
• East Staffordshire Borough Council at The Town Hall, King Edward Place, Burton upon Trent DE14 2EB
• South Staffordshire District Council at Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, South Staffordshire, WV8 1PX
• Lichfield District Council at Frog Ln, Lichfield WS13 6HS
• Cannock Chase District Council at Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock, Staffs WS11 1BG
• The City of Wolverhampton Council at Civic Centre, St Peters Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SH
• Staffordshire County Council at 1 Staffordshire Place, Stafford, ST16 2DH

To discuss the plans, you can call the Cannock Chase SAC team on: 07800 619650 or 07800 619636.

Background

2.4 million people visit Cannock Chase every year. With increased housing development and a growing population, the number of people visiting Cannock Chase is expected to go up by 15 to 20 percent by 2026.

The two plans set out how to make sure there will be space for everyone to continue to enjoy the open air and natural beauty of Cannock Chase, without hurting its protected habitats and species.

Money has already been collected from developers of new housing developments that are built near Cannock Chase. This will be used to fund improvements to the Chase’s visitor infrastructure, provide better information, and work with visitors and landowners to help protect the site.

Once the plans are finalised, the improvements to Cannock Chase’s visitor infrastructure will start from early 2020 onwards.

Cannock Chase SAC Partnership includes: Stafford Borough Council, Cannock Chase District Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire District Council, East Staffordshire District Council, the City of Wolverhampton Council, Staffordshire County Council, Natural England, Forestry England, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, National Trust, RSPB and Cannock Chase AONB.