Features of Cannock Chase

Features of Cannock Chaseis a handy new fold-out guide to the wildlife and habitats of this special landscape.

The guide features beautiful colour paintings of over 50 special birds, plants, insects and more to spot. Splashproof, lightweight and rucksack-sized, this guide is small enough carry with you all day.

At just 26 square miles, Cannock Chase is mainland Englands smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From barn owl and bell heather to stag beetle and sundew, there is plenty to see all year round. Although surrounded by busy towns and villages, it retains a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Created for William the Conqueror as a hunting forest 1000 years ago, it is rich in history, culture and wildlife, with much to explore and enjoy. Today Cannock Chase is a mosaic of different habitats, including heaths, forests, wood-pasture, wetlands and farmland. Why not look out for

• the largest surviving area of heathland in the midlands
• veteran trees and ancient woodland, especially in spring
• the Cannock Chase berry, a rare plant (illustrated in the guide)

58% of Cannock Chase in open access land, where the public has a right to roam on foot. With its dramatic scenery, it is also popular for family cycling, following a network of designated cycle trails. Bridleways provide some of the most extensive and picturesque off-road horseback riding in England. Road and rail connections make it easy to reach for a day visit from Birmingham, Manchester or Liverpool.

This guide was developed withCannock Chase AONB Partnership.