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Cannock Chase
*** Shopping-Tip: Cannock Chase
image:Cannock chase 300.jpg thumb|Cannock Chase
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'''Cannock Chase''' is a mixed area of countryside in the county of
Staffordshire,
England. The area has been designated as the '''Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'''. The Chase gives its name to the
Cannock Chase (district) Cannock Chase local government district.
Cannock Chase is located between
Cannock,
Lichfield,
Rugeley and
Stafford, England Stafford. It comprises a mixture of natural deciduous woodland, coniferous plantations, open heathland and the remains of early industry, such as
coal mining. Despite being relatively small in area, the chase provides a remarkable range of landscape and wildlife, including a herd of around 800
fallow deer. Efforts are currently underway to increase the amount of
heathland on the chase, reintroducing shrubs such as
Calluna heather in some areas where
bracken and
birch forest have crowded out most other plants.
The Chase is home to a number of less-common and endangered birds, not least
bird migration migrant Nightjars. A feeding station at the Marquis Drive Visitors' Centre, sponsored by the
West Midland Bird Club, attracts many species, including
Brambling,
Yellowhammer and
Eurasian Bullfinch Bullfinch.
There are a number of visitor centres, museums and waymarked paths, such as the
Heart of England Way. Additionally, there are many unmarked public paths. On the chase's north-eastern edge can be found
Shugborough Hall, home of
The Earl of Lichfield (Lord Lichfield has sadly passed away). At its southern edge are the remains of
Castle Ring, a bronze age hill fort.
The Chase is home to several memorials, including
Germany German and
Commonwealth of Nations Commonwealth war cemeteries, and a memorial to the victims of the
Katyn Massacre.
Cannock Chase was designated as an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on
16 September 1958, and is the smallest area so designated in mainland
Britain, covering 68 km
2 (26 square miles).
The Chase has also become one of the most respected Cross Country Mountain Biking areas in the Midlands. The recently opened purpose built XC [http://www.chasetrails.co.uk/ ‘Follow the Dog’] trail (supported by
Gary Fisher) is a 7 mile technically challenging route, starting and finishing at the Birches Valley Visitors/Cycle Centre. It is open to all, however it is not recommended for beginners.
External links
-
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Website
-
Staffordshire County Council page on Cannock Chase
-
West Midland Bird Club feeding station
-
Heart of England Way Association - Long Distance Path
-
Chase Trails Mountain Biking
Category:Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England
Category:Staffordshire
{{Staffordshire-geo-stub}}
nl:Cannock Chase
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