Castle Ring A Large Multivallate Iron Age Hill Fort
Scheduled Ancient Monument and Site of Biological Interest.
Cannock Chase Council
2018 - 2028
2004-2005 Crime and Disorder Partnerships
2005-2006 Healthy Communities
2006-2007 Transforming the Delivery of Services Through Partnerships Page 1 of 74
Contents
1. Vision Statement & Executive Summary 3 1.1 Vision Statement 3 1.2 Executive Summary 3 2. Policy Statements 7 3. General Description 12 3.1 General Information 12 3.1.1 Brief History of the Site 12 3.1.2 Site Location & Boundaries 16 3.1.3 Tenure 18 3.1.4 Management Structure 20 3.1.5 Site Infrastructure 20 3.1.6 Map Coverage 22 3.1.7 Photographic Coverage 22 3.1.8 Site SWOT Analysis 23 3.2 Zones 25 3.3 Environmental Information 29 3.3.1 Physical 29 3.3.2 Biological 32 3.3.2.1 Habitats/Flora 32 3.3.2.2 Fauna 41 3.4 Cultural 47 3.4.1 Archaeology 47 3.4.2 Past Land Use 49 3.4.3 Present Land Use 51 3.4.4 Past Management for Nature Conservation 51 3.4.5 Past Status of the Site 52 3.4.6 Present Legal Status of Site 52 3.5 People-Stakeholders, Local Communities etc. 53 3.5.1 Stakeholders, Tourism and Access 53 3.5.2 Interpretation Provision 57 3.5.3 Education and Research Usage 58 3.6 Landscape 59 3.7 Management Objectives 61 3.7.1 Archaeology 61 3.7.2 Nature Conservation 61 3.7.3 Stakeholders 62 3.7.4 Access and Tourism 66 3.7.5 Interpretation 66 3.7.6 Landscape 66 3.7.7 Operational 66 3.8 Project Recording 67 3.9 Action Plan 67
Bibliography 69
List of Figures 72 List of Photos & Illustrations 72 List of abbreviations 73
Appendices 74
1. Archaeological Features of Interest 1.1 Identification and Recognition of Archaeological Features 1.2 Archaeological Conservation Objectives 1.3 Archaeological Conservation Status and Rationale 2. Nature Conservation Features of Interest 1.1 Identification and recognition of Conservation Features 1.2 Nature Conservation Objectives
Page 1 of 74 1.3 Conservation Status and Rationale 3. Stakeholders 1.1 Evaluation 1.2 Objectives for Stakeholders 1.3 Status and Rationale 4. Access and Tourism 1.1 Evaluation 1.2 Objectives for Access and Tourism 1.3 Status and Rationale 5. Interpretation 1.1 Evaluation 1.2 Site Specific Interpretation Policy 1.3 Performance Indicators and Monitoring 6. Operational Objectives 1.1 Operational Objectives 1.2 Rationale 1.3 Management Projects 7. Action Plan(s)
Page 2 of 74 Chapter 1. Vision Statement & Executive Summary
1.1 Vision Statement
The strong physical form of the ancient banks and ditches, open character and commanding views northwards over Cannock Chase make Castle Ring a prominent (major) feature within the landscape and history of Cannock Chase. This character and form create a range of valuable habitats within, which support a diverse range of plants and wildlife characteristic of the Chase.
These important archaeological and wildlife features and access to them will be managed in a sensitive manner to provide a site which gives people an enjoyable and peaceful visit engendering an idea of the original and ancient feel of Cannock Chase and also to enhance their understanding and knowledge of the unique site and its features.
1.2 Executive Summary
Castle Ring is a large multivallate Iron Age Hill fort around 2,500 years old located to the North of the village of Cannock Wood, Staffordshire on the South Eastern edge of Cannock Chase. It is situated on a sloping ridgeline forming the highest point within the Chase at 235 metres, which would give it commanding views over the surrounding landscape. Today this aspect is greatly reduced by adjacent forestry.
The importance of the archaeological nature of the site is recognised in its designation as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). This legal status strongly determines activities on the site. Within the site are to be found the remains of the footings of a 12th Century Medieval Hunting Lodge increasing the archaeological interest of the site.
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View from Ancient Entrance South West across Castle Ring
The landscape and use of the site has only changed dramatically in the last 100 or so years. Up to this period there would have been an open landscape, with small areas of woodland, which would generally have been farmed until the land became a Royal Hunting ground and eventually a Deer Park. The biggest change affecting the site and its setting was the planting of coniferous plantations around the site after the First World War. As this grew it altered the nature and character of the site, later the maturing pine trees provided a mass seed source leading to the near colonisation of the whole site with trees by the late 1990’s
The nature of the site has lead to a wide variety of habitats, many reflective of those on Cannock Chase which have been greatly influenced by the sites local conditions creating many small but distinct habitats from sphagnum bog, acidic grassland to heathland. This variety provides home to a range of birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Some species common others quite rare, adders and black darter (a dragonfly) are the most notable species that have recently been recorded.
The site’s wildlife value, in the form of grassland and bog habitats with associated reptiles, plants and insects, is remarkably characteristic of the
Page 4 of 74 Cannock Chase area and because of this the site is listed as a Site of Biological Importance (SBI)
These habitats are fragile and easily damaged through pressures for access and disturbance. Some habitats conflict with the protection of other species or features. The black darter relies on the open water of the small flooded areas within ditches between the embankments. These water areas are in a transitional state to sphagnum bog, which are a European protected habitat type. In order to protect one the other would be lost. Given the higher status of the Bog habitat proposals have been made to create other pool areas close by where the insects can easily migrate to.
The site is a Common and also classified as Open Access land, which potentially conflicts with the protection of the SAM. Added to this are the legally defined footpaths and a bridleway that dissect or bound the site so drawing in more users. The potential for high levels of access is great and at peak times, weekends and holidays there is often a mass of visitors on the site or just using it as a gateway to other activities on the Chase. The level of access affects impacts not only on the erosion of the site but also the habitat value. Ground nesting birds are rare despite the good open habitat, due to the amount of uncontrolled dog walking on the site. This activity also impacts on the vegetation through nitrification, currently this is generally confined to path edges resulting in a more diverse flora and fauna however, it could easily become a major ecological issue.
Visitors tend and are encouraged to keep to the main tracks around the site and also the path around the inner rampart in order to protect the SAM, resulting in heavy use and higher levels of erosion of these. The nature of the site including ramparts and ditches, steep slopes, eroded and loose surfaces makes disabled access extremely difficult if not impossible. Improvements to access have been looked at closely and in association with other site issues especially trespass and security of the adjacent Beaudesert Scout Camp Site. This has culminated in proposals for creating a new path link along the East and South but outside the site boundary, resurfacing of existing paths and even installation of a slim line
Page 5 of 74 bridge. These have been developed with the Beaudesert Trust and form part of their own site management plan, which it the subject of a Heritage Lottery bid.
Care and protection of the site both for its archaeological and habitat value is essential. Warning or restrictive notices would have little effect, look out of place and often are quickly damaged. Education through interpretation is the key for all stakeholders. The amount of onsite interpretation is limited although there is more electronic information on Cannock Chase Councils (CCC) Website. Production of site specific leaflets and greater on site interpretation is to be carried out. However, this has to be located carefully so as not to be detrimental to the nature and character of the site.
Balancing all these specific site and legal requirements as well as users wants and aspirations is a complex task. The Management Plan through careful analysis sets out clear aims and policies that will ensure the Vision for the site is realised
The Action Plan is both achievable and realistic and works planned are phased over the next ten years. This plan will be flexible to incorporate any new Government guidelines, initiatives or opportunities for funding as they arise.
Page 6 of 74 Chapter 2.Policy Statements
This chapter refers to policies that have relevance to the archaeology, wildlife and general management of the site. There are a number of policies and legal constraints to managing the site such as it’s designation as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, it’s legal status as common land, its management under the Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Environmental Stewardship (ES) scheme and its designation as a Site of Biological Importance. These are all policies and agreements that are imposed on the site by authorities other than the owners, Cannock Chase Council.
Corporate Objectives
The Council’s corporate objective is captured in the acronym CHASE and is also the main basis of the Environmental Services Business Plan and guides the Countryside Service operations.
Children and Young People, – Play, in particular has a vital role in developing the physical and social skills of children and young people. Imaginative play and the provision for exploration with friends help to develop children’s potential for achievement. Developing culture among children and young people can be defined as a ‘way of life’ and ranges from arts, sports, street scene, heritage, tourism, parks, open spaces and countryside. Culture is sustained and developed through the provision of opportunity for expression/participation in developing and challenging communities. This could be by providing physical or mental skills which help to promote self-esteem and creativity such as time spent on a countryside volunteer programme or attending a formal park event. Culture has a common goal in that it is experienced through shared value lifestyles and leisure choices that often shape an area’s public realm and social life. The Environmental Services Division recognises and embraces the enabling role that its stakeholders have in defining their ‘way of life’ and seeks to develop this in a social, community and economic context.
Page 7 of 74 Healthier Communities, Housing and Older People – access to well maintained, good quality green space does have a positive impact on both mental health e.g., the ability to concentrate and physical health e.g., healing capacity and physical activity. Studies have also shown that there is a link between environmental quality and population health so there is a clear need to ensure green spaces are accessible and of a high quality to lead to improved community health and well being. It is also essential that direct services, i.e. refuse collection and recycling, are accessible to all residents, particularly elderly, infirm and disability groups who require additional assistance in waste collection services.
Access to Skills, Economic Development and Enterprise – parks, open spaces and countryside play an important role in the quality of people’s lives and it is important that all users can access such sites. There is a clear linkage between public open space, free at point of entry and the Council’s Equality and Diversity Strategy.
Safer and Stronger Communities – green spaces provide important spaces for people to meet, either informally or formally with others in their local community.
Evidence suggests that if the full range of potential benefits of green space is to be achieved by society, a socially inclusive approach to design, layout and maintenance is required. It is important not to under estimate the role that green space and green space projects can play in community cohesion especially as they help to address barriers within and between communities. Community Safety – research has shown that certain groups have greater concern over safety when using street scene facilities. Such concern may be largely addressed by CCTV surveillance and the public recognise and welcome the benefits of such systems. In particular, parks and open spaces contribute to social cohesion, which can, in turn, contribute to increased safety. Although community safety research is relatively limited it is known that the quality of green space is often linked to the community’s perceptions of it. Regular maintenance and inspection of street furniture, bus shelters and public car parks enhances community safety. Working closely with Community Safety partners ensures the effective use of CCTV in combating anti-social behaviour, deterring and detecting criminality.
Page 8 of 74 Officers also attend the Joint Operation Group on a fortnightly basis, which comprises of all the main stakeholders in the County and District Council.
Environment – research has proven there is a strong link between the quality of Green Space and attracting and retaining investment be it new or relocated businesses or for a place to live. Improving existing or establishing new green space as part of regeneration is essential and contributes to a wide range of environmental benefits including reducing flood risk, noise, and airborne pollution and meeting various biodiversity targets. Management and maintenance of green spaces creates employment both directly and indirectly. The latter through volunteer programmes that also help to develop and improve skills leading to further employment.
A higher quality environment, whilst helping to attract inward investment also results in a greater level of per capita investment within the District. Effective waste management in providing services that reduce household waste taken to landfill and increase the amount and types of waste that can be reused and recycled, contribute to maintaining a greener and cleaner environment.
CHASE is the overarching Council vision the aims of which are embedded in all the Councils policies and plans. The Environmental Services Business Plan produced on a rolling three year basis details targets and performance levels. This Castle Ring Management Plan incorporates and is integral to achieving many of these targets.
Health and Safety Policy Details of CCC Health and Safety Polices can be found on the following web link; http://chaseweb.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/site/scripts/downloads.php?categ oryID=208
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (CCAONB) Management Plan The objectives of this Management Plan are consistent with many of the aims and policies within the CCAONB Management Plan, including heritage
Page 9 of 74 protection, visitor management, balancing conservation & recreation and educational awareness. Full details can be found on the CCAONB web site www.cannock-chase.co.uk
Beaudesert Conservation Management Plan Produced by the Beaudesert Trust in association with a range of partners including CCC the plan sets out policies for the understanding, conservation, management and development of the site especially in terms of access and interpretation. Castle Ring was included within the plan as ‘it would provide a valuable learning resource for the young people’ who the Beaudesert site chiefly cater for. Work in this location would also benefit the security of the Trust site as well as dealing with current trespass issues. Details of the Trust can be found on the web site www.beaudesert.org/
Nature Conservation Monitoring The only specific policy regarding nature conservation is the Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI) regarding the condition of County Wildlife Sites. As such the site is designated a Local Site under DEFRA’s guidance and is used as a Baseline Indicator Site under BVPI – 197.
Litter Monitoring Litter, fly tipping, detritus and graffiti are monitored under BVPI 199a, 199b, 199c and 199d.
The following are not yet specific policies of the Cannock Chase Council but are aims that it presently looks to.
Peat Usage
There is no valid use of peat on this site. Any planting scheme by the CCDC specifies the use only of peat free compost. The Sphagnum bog rewetting is carried out using alder logs.
Page 10 of 74 Pesticide Minimisation
The use of pesticides is restricted to the control of invasive species (trees, bracken, Rhododendron etc) where other means are not practical or effective.
Waste Minimisation Woody waste Woody waste from the site is treated in a number of ways: Logs are used to create hibernacula (resting and overwintering spots for amphibians and reptiles) Twiggy brash is either chipped and the chippings left on the car park for use by the local community or placed on the embankments of the site to prevent erosion.
Visitor Waste On the car park there are two waste bins. In line with current policy during 2007/8 these will be replaced by mix waste bins to accommodate bagged dog faeces. A recycling point for cans and glass could be installed if considered justifiable and sustainable.
Page 11 of 74 Chapter 3. General Description
3.1 General Information
3.1.1 A Brief Site History
Artistic reconstruction of everyday Iron Age life (Taken from the existing interpretation panel)
Castle Ring is the local name for the large Multivallate (several banks and ditches) Iron Age Hill Fort. It is one of seven large Multivallate Iron Age Hill Forts in Staffordshire and the most complete.
The site is approximately 2,500 years old and is one of the earliest pieces of evidence of settlement in the Cannock Area. Whilst the purpose of such structures is a matter of national archaeological debate (with arguments ranging from them being purely a defensive structure to being pastoral enclosures) what is more certain is that the structure would have been very imposing in the landscape. Castle Ring occupies the highest point on Cannock Chase and the orange sandy banks when the structure was newly built would have been highly visible from a considerable distance. It is probable that the name of Cannock town is a derivation of the Celtic word ‘C’noc’ translated as high place.
Evidence from other sites across the UK suggests that Hill Forts continued to be centres of settlement even after the Roman conquest of Britain. It has been
Page 12 of 74 suggested that Hill Forts were sacked by the digging through of the embankments. Castle Ring displays such a feature.
The landscape at this time would have been quite open with heathland development and stock grazing.
The Doomsday Survey of 1086 records lands at Cannock in possession of the King as part of the Former Kingdom of Mercia and prior to the 12th Century the surrounding lands formed part of the Royal Hunting Ground.
Castle Ring appears to have formed part of Beaudesert Old Park, a deer park fenced in the Early 12th Century (Kips map of Staffordshire 1607-1610)
During the Reign of Henry II (1154-1189) what is believed to be a Medieval hunting lodge was built in the Northern part of the site. Use of the lodge was abandoned in 1189 when the manors of Cannock and Rugeley were granted to the Bishop of Coventry & Lichfield following the Kings death. The remnants of the stone foundations can just be made out on the surface in the Northern quarter of the inner enclosure of the monument.
In the early 12th Century the area passed into the ownership of the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and the area became known as the Bishop’s Chase. Around 1290 the Bishop had built a house close to Castle Ring at Beaudesert later to become Beaudesert Hall.
In the mid 16th Century, Henry VIII following Dissolution of the Monasteries confiscated the lands in the manor belonging to the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and gave then to Sir William Paget. Under his control the Coal and Iron resources of Cannock Chase were exploited. The open wooded landscape of the hunting forest was utilised for charcoal making. Throughout the Agrarian Revolution the estate prospered maintaining an open landscape through heavy grazing.
Page 13 of 74 Beaudesert Hall and the estate underwent various stages of development throughout the 16-18th Centuries. However the largest effect on Castle Ring came about between 1780-90 following development of a landscape park at Beaudesert. This involved levelling of the north and west side of the inner rampart as a walkway and for viewing the landscape and creating two carriage drives on Castle Ring. One runs along the Northern boundary, the other running directly from the main entrance in the East, bisecting the inner enclosure and cutting through the Western embankments. Whether this route created this breach or merely used an existing Roman breach is not known.
Beaudesert Hall remained a residence of the 6th Marquise of Anglesey until 1920 when increased taxation led to the sale of large sections of the estate. This coincided with the formation of the Forestry Commission in 1919 to provide a strategic reserve of timber following the First World War. The Commission bought large tracts of land across the Chase creating today’s forest.
The prominent ridges and furrows in the South of the site are most likely to date from this period. It is the establishment of forestry that has impacted most on Castle Ring. As the plantations reached maturity they were able to seed across the open aspect of the site. By the late 1990’s it was very difficult to see from one side of the Ancient Monument to the other.
The importance of the Castle Ring site was acknowledged on 30 November 1925 when approximately 6.5Ha (16Acres) of the present site was listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) in respect of the Iron Age Hill Fort. (National Monument No. SM21635.)
Castle Ring was purchased by Cannock Urban District Council in 1933 for the sum of £200 following a public sale at the Swan Hotel, Lichfield on 13 October 1932 of ‘Extensive Residential and Sporting Beau Desert Estate’ comprising 2010 acres belonging to the 6th Marquis of Anglesey. The actual purchased area covering 18 Acres, 3 Rods and 16 Perches, (Conveyance doc 23.3.1993, CCDC Deed Packet No. 900)
The site is registered as a Common under the 1965 Commons Act. The Common covers an area of approximately 7.49Ha (18.5Acres)
Page 14 of 74 Even though the site was becoming swamped with trees it contained extensive areas of rare acidic grassland and in 1991 was designated a Site of Biological Importance (SBI) for this.
In 2000 the main enclosure was cleared of invading trees. This received a mixed reception from the public some supportive others not. Following significant discourse on the important site features the majority of remaining trees on the embankments and ramparts were removed, without further complaint, so recreating the original open nature of the site.
2005 saw improvements to the original car park built in the 1970-80s including an entrance barrier in the form of the rings mound/stockade and installation of a stone edged circle representing the typical size of an Iron Age round house.
Entrance way and Car Park
Page 15 of 74 3.1.2 Site Location & Boundaries
Castle Ring is situated on the Northern edge of Cannock Wood Village at the Southern end of Cannock Chase, which lies between Cannock & Rugeley in Staffordshire (GR SK0446, 1284 - Site car park).
The site is located on a narrow section of a North West- South East sloping ridge line forming one of the highest points on the Chase at 235m (1000ft) above sea level, giving originally clear views over the surrounding landscape particularly the Trent Valley to the North East and South West towards the present day Walsall MBC conurbation.
The site today is generally enclosed by forest, on all but the Northern side, mostly coniferous plantation with the exception of mixed to deciduous woodland to the South East. The forest cover however varies from bare ground to mature plantations dependant on forestry operations, resulting in varied views out of the site.
Along the Western boundary runs a public footpath forming part of the Heart of England Way. Crossing the latter and forming the Northern boundary is a Bridleway. The Southern end of the site is bounded by Holly Hill Road and the mixed woodland the latter continuing round to form the Eastern boundary.
Some of the legal boundaries are not clearly defined on the ground especially on to the South and East where a fence has been erected that encroaches onto the site in places by 1 to 5 metres
Access to the site for vehicles is from Holly Hill Road directly onto the car park. Pedestrian access is varied along the public footpaths/bridleway or via the car park as noted. Other paths that access the site or circulate within it are not Public Rights of Way with the exception of one Public Footpath that bisects the site.
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FigurePage 1 Location 17 of 74 Plan 3.1.3 Tenure The site is principally within the ownership of CCC except for a narrow strip along the Western edge of the car park that is within ownership of the Forestry Commission. Overall the site covers an area of approximately 7.75Ha (19.Acres). (CCC Deed Packet No. 900)
Approximately 6.5Ha (16Acres) of the site is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) in respect of a Multivallate Iron Age hill fort. National Monument No SM21635.
The site is registered as a Common under the 1965 Commons Act. The Common covers an area of approximately 7.49Ha (18.5 Acres) and is classified as Open Access under the 2000 Countryside & Rights of Way Act
Castle Ring is located at the Southern end of the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding National Beauty (Link), the smallest AONB within the country and forms one of the gateways into the AONB & Chase. It is also designated as a Site of Biological Importance (SBI) for its acidic grassland.
The site is bisected by a Public Footpath No.9, which terminates on the Eastern boundary of the site. This also forms the termination of Public Bridleway No.32 which runs along the Northern Boundary. Public Footpath No.1 runs from Holly Hill Road along the car park and Western boundary of the site, this forming part of the Heart of England Way.
Beaudesert Trust has an informal agreement for access across the car park onto their site for emergency use and also in relation to major events. This presently entails a one-way system into and out of the Trust site involving their existing main access. (Records are not clear if this is a Right of Prescription)
Previous work on the site has been guided by a management plan produced in 1996 by Penny Anderson Associates. This was chiefly a vegetation management plan and excluded the car park area.
Page 18 of 74
. Figure 2 Ownership Map
Page 19 of 74 3.1.4 Management Structure
Cannock Chase Council’s Countryside Service, which is part of the Environmental Services, is responsible for the management of the whole site and staffing consists of three Countryside Officers and a Countryside Estate Worker. The roles of the three officers overlap however each has specific fields of expertise in ecology, accessibility and community involvement. The estate worker is responsible for practical implementation of works aided by the three officers and a small team of community volunteers.
Volunteers and Countryside staff installing a new handrail
3.1.5 Site Infrastructure
The site can primarily be divided into two main areas, the car park and the Hill Fort. The formal car park dates from the 1970-80s. This forms the main access to the site and includes various aspects of interpretation for the whole site. The car park remains open except in some evenings when antisocial behaviour becomes an issue. Local residents manage the locking and unlocking of the car park.
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The Iron Age Hill Fort is multivallate with the extensive ramparts from 1 to 5 metres high surrounding a central enclosure of approx. 4Ha. The original access point would have been from the East however present pedestrian access is via modern steps both to the West and South from the car park. These lead to a stone surfaced path running around the main, inner rampart that allows users extensive views into and out of the site. The path is heavily used and this together with uncontrolled access over the ramparts leads to erosion issues on the SAM. Similarly root penetration (trees and bracken) of the ramparts is a major concern
Within the enclosed area is and to the Northern edge are the remains of a Medieval Hunting Lodge, rectangular in outline consisting of 1.5metre thick stone footings. These are presently covered with a thin soil & scrub vegetation but could provide a further visual and educational feature.
Towards the northern most corner of the main rampart is a trigometric point. This is recorded at a height of 801ft on historic maps or 244metres, the highest point on Cannock Chase. The Ordinance Survey maintains this feature.
The Public Footpath (FP1) forming the Heart of England Way is heavily used whilst FP9, which bisects the Hill Fort sees moderate to little use. This route is historically significant as it follows the Carriageway that was cut across the site in the 1770’s to serve Beaudesert Hall. Bridleway 32 is moderately used but this and FP9 terminate in a dead end adjacent the private Lodge. This results in high use of the main Southern section of the rampart path but also results in more informal paths along or within the smaller ramparts creating more erosion and detracting from the character of that area. Additionally there are issues of trespass onto the Beaudesert Estate.
Page 21 of 74 3.1.6 Map coverage
Historic maps form 1887, 1902 & 1921 show very little change to the site and its surroundings, generally open heathland with some woodland to the East. The major landscape change is shown on the 1938 map whereby the site was enclosed by plantations. This has basically remained the same to date. The plan attached to the Conveyance Agreement of 1933 (Scanned copy attached!) shows only the ramparts and access tracks together with the Lodge
The site is clearly identified on present day maps Ordnance Survey 1:25000 Explorer Map No. 244 and Landranger No.128
3.1.7 Photographic Coverage
Staffordshire Past Track web site contains a very clear aerial photo of the site dated 21 September 1931. See Figure 7 page 49 www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/engine/resource/default.asp?resource=3902
CCC holds aerial photographs of the District covering three periods 1991-2, 1999/2000 & Autumn 2003. The latter two are in electronic format and allow close up views of the site down to a scale of 1:500.
The Council also has a range of site photographs both electronic and in print form dating from the late 1990s to the present day covering general site views and also of works to the site. These have not yet been catalogued.
Page 22 of 74 3.1.8 Site SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
Scheduled Ancient Monument. High concentrations of visitors at peak times, weekends and school Good and improving habitats with a holidays. range of important local & BAP species. Limited staff resources.
Part of, and forming gateway to, the Little awareness of the feature within AONB. the rest of the district.
Good pedestrian connections to Limited parking restricts visitor surrounding area and sits on the numbers at peak times. ‘Heart of England Way’ Limited public transport links. Growing recognition of the site as a valuable wildlife resource. Lack of indoor/covered space available for educational /group use. Site well supported by Council Members. Lack of on site interpretation of all site features. Good support from regular visitors and volunteers. No dedicated site leaflet.
Good countryside team with wide range of skills and knowledge.
Good road access from very large population areas within 4 miles.
Free car park.
Limited parking restricts visitor numbers at peak times.
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OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
Good relationship with the local Potential overuse at peak times press. leading to a diminishment in the quality of the visit. Interpretation pack for schools. Increase in maintenance required to Environmental Stewardship funding to alleviate increased “wear and tear” of increase revenue available for site infrastructure and facilities due to conservation projects. high visitor numbers.
Increasing recognition of the Climate change. Changing climate importance of the role of parks and may seriously affect the habitats and open spaces in improving people’s species present on the site. health and wellbeing may increase funding opportunities from grant aid. Severe weather. An increase in extreme weather conditions, in Lottery funding for projects may be particular torrential rain downpours, available. causing increased erosion of paths and banks and silting of ponds. Part of the Beaudesert Management Plan and HLF bid. Misuse of the facilities, e.g. mini moto, sledging. Potential first Green Flag Countryside Site for the Authority Delicately balanced ecosystems subject to environmental change.
Changes to adjacent land management affecting sites character
Reduction in staff and budgetary resources
Page 24 of 74 3.2 Management Zones This section describes the zonation of the site for management purposes and is based on the sites physical and biological aspects..
Figure 3 Management Zones
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The zones are defined as follows:
Zone 1: The area completely enclosed by the inner rampart, bounded by the footpath along the top of this rampart, excluding part of Zone 2 (see below).
Zone 2: This area is partly contained within the South West portion of the area within the inner rampart and is bounded to the North by the public footpath running West-East, and a well used desire line running from the inner rampart North Eastwards to the afore mentioned footpath. This desire line bounds the area to the East, with the inner base of the inner rampart bounding the area to the West and South. Part of the ‘ditch’ area makes up the rest of this zone and is bounded by the outer base of the inner rampart and the rampart immediately out from the inner rampart, running from the bottom of the flight of steps at the North west of the site anticlockwise to the original iron age entrance at the eastern end of the site.
Zone 3: The woodland area to the North West of the site is bounded by the bridle paths to the South West and North West, and the top of the second innermost rampart on its eastern side.
Zone 4: The car park is defined by the entire area consisting of tarmac and loose sand and gravel. This is bounded by wooden fencing, bollards and entrance barrier.
Zone 5: The remainder of the site not covered by the previous zones, namely the area between the top of the second innermost rampart and the outer boundary of the site.
The selection of these zones is based on the following justification and includes the basic management aim(s) for each zone:
Zone 1: This area is almost entirely of a single habitat type, namely acidic grassland and smaller areas of associated habitats, which can be managed in
Page 26 of 74 similar ways. Most of the area will be managed to improve the ecological quality of the acid grassland habitat but significant areas must also be managed for reptiles. This will require leaving and encouraging other habitats such as bramble, bracken and barer patches to further develop. Zone 2: The area within the inner rampart consists of damp or flooded areas with wet grassland, rush pasture, Polytrichum spp. (mosses) mats and a seasonal inundation (flooding) area of bare peat colonized patchily by common sedge and willow scrub. The entire area of this zone also contains areas of dry acid grassland. The areas of acid grassland will be managed to improve the ecological quality of the grassland but the inundation areas will be left to develop more naturally, excepting the removal of scrub.
The ditch area is clearly defined physically by the ramparts and although containing different habitats these are also associated with wet or flooded areas, which can be managed in a similar way. These consist of rush pasture, marshy grassland, drier grassland, inundation areas, sphagnum bog and associated bog pools. There are potential conflicts in the management of this small but diverse zone but it is envisaged that the sphagnum bogs will take precedence and be allowed to develop further. This will simply require monitoring and some very occasional vegetation removal.
Zone 3: This area entirely consists of woodland, and will be managed as such especially as it lies outside of the SAM designation and therefore the tree cover can be retained. This is important on, at a site level, as the rest of the site has to be managed as very open grassland due to the potential archaeological damage caused by tree roots. Therefore this area of woodland increases biodiversity on the site.
Zone 4: This area is entirely a man made car park and will be managed as such.
Zone 5: This zone is physically well defined and consists almost entirely of bracken with varying amounts of acidic grassland, and will be managed as such with only occasional small-scale bracken control to keep small areas of acidic grassland. This is also an important zone as the high coverage of bracken will be
Page 27 of 74 maintained to prevent access and therefore erosion problems that have occurred in the past and this will require monitoring with remedial action when/if necessary.
Page 28 of 74 3.3 Environmental Information
3.3.1 Physical
3.3.1.1 Geology & Soils The general area of Cannock Chase is underlain by materials from three geological eras; Carboniferous (363 Ma – 290 Ma), Triassic (245 Ma – 208 Ma) and Quaternary (2Ma – Present). (Ma is the scientific notation for Mega annum.) The rocks of the Carboniferous do not crop out and are buried to some depth underneath the Castle Ring site and therefore exert no influence on the soils and therefore habitats present. The Triassic rocks underlying most of the site are a sequence of conglomerates (pebbles in a sandy matrix) sands and poorly consolidated sandstones. At the time these deposits were forming, a mountain chain was rising at a latitude similar to that of the present day Sahara, this environment was subject to flash floods and sands, large rocks and pebbles were washed northwards toward the English Midlands of today. Other deposits were formed in the surrounding deserts with Aeolian (wind blown) sands also found in these sequences. There then exists an unconformity of rocks between these Triassic rocks and the much more recent deposits of the Quaternary, with any rock types laid down between the two being absent due to erosion of some form. During the Quaternary era boulder clay or till (geological terms for material left behind after the last Ice Age) deposits were laid down around the margins and underneath glaciers as they advanced and retreated, these movements and subsequent erosion have left patchy deposits, which contain all manner of materials such as sands, clays and solid clasts (stones) of all sizes. As already mentioned the carboniferous deposits have exerted little or no influence on the soils and drainage at Castle Ring. The Triassic sands, sandstones and conglomerates however have greatly influenced the site being naturally free draining, of low fertility and acidic in nature (these rock types generally form soils with a pH of around 3.5-6.0 elsewhere on Cannock Chase) and become even lower in nutrients by leaching so forming the free draining podsols (acidic soil type) with a shallow organic peaty topsoil and some evidence
Page 29 of 74 of an iron pan layer which can today be found beneath the site. Such a soil favours the development of dry acidic grasslands and heathland. The glacial till deposits originally capped the Triassic sands, however this has been eroded leaving only a patchy covering. If these deposits do underlie the site the only influence they have would appear to be in the South Western corner of the site where the drainage is obviously impeded and small areas of peaty soils are exposed. Underlying clayey deposits could explain this although it is worth noting the ditches in this area contain silt washed in from the rest of the site, which would also retard drainage.
There are no geomorphological features present on site, and any present after the last Ice Age would have been obliterated by the anthropogenic (human) activities of the past 2,000 years.
3.3.1.2 Climate The general climate is that of Atlantic North Western Europe, that is an oceanic influenced climate with generally cooler drier summers and mild wetter winters. The local area lies within the Midland Region of England and as such this oceanic element is somewhat negated by the Welsh Mountains and Hills to the West which form a small part of the ancient Atlantic Highlands mountain chain and this creates something of a rain shadow effect with the Cannock Chase area lying between the 700mm-800mm annual rainfall contours compared to approximately 2500mm – 3000mm across the higher parts of the North and West of the United Kingdom (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/). More accurate figures were not obtained but it is likely that Castle Ring being the highest point on the Cannock Chase plateau, which its’ self is elevated from the surrounding landscape by approximately 100 to150 metres would receive more rainfall than this. Similar elevations on the Southern Peak District fringe receive around 800mm-1000mm a year.
Page 30 of 74 3.3.1.3 Hydrology There are two factors relating to Hydrology, the site’s underlying geology and the ancient earthworks controlling the site drainage. These combine to give a site, which is generally free draining although it should be noted that the South Western area enclosed by the inner most rampart is underlain by peat, which would imply impeded drainage. This can be seen through the winter with this area often being inundated with water while most of the rest of the site is dry, the exception to this being the ditches between the ramparts which in the South Western quadrant are almost permanently waterlogged and contain open water pools for at least 8 months of the year. Small, steep, fast flowing streams drain to the North of the site but these are unlikely to drain much if any of the water from the site, however a small flushed area develops into a stream to the South West of the site and this does contain most of the excess flow from the site after passing through the open water and waterlogged areas as previously described. This flushed area eventually forms the Redmoor Brook to the South West.
3.3.1.4 Topography It is worth briefly mentioning the site topography as the site occupies the highest point on Cannock Chase and for a large area around at 242 metres O.D. (Ordnance Datum). The topography also affects the drainage and therefore the plant communities. The site consists of a number (varying from 1 – 4) of irregular-pentagonal, concentric banks, which are elevated from the surrounding land by around 0.5 to 0.8 metres with accompanying ditches between these features. The area enclosed by the inner rampart slopes gently from North East to South West with an elevation of approximately 240 metres toward the North of the site to just below 235 metres in the South West of this inner area, this slope continues downward to the extreme South West of the site with the entrance to the car park being around 225 metres O.D.
Page 31 of 74 3.3.2 Biological
3.3.2.1 Habitats/Flora Figure 4 Habitat Map
Page 32 of 74 For the following sections regarding habitats refer to the accompanying habitat map 3.3.2.1.1 Acidic Grasslands
Acidic Grassland
Acidic grassland is the dominant habitat type found at Castle Ring and is characterized by wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), with lesser amounts of mat grass (Nardus stricta), sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina) and common bent (Agrostis capillaris). The only broad leaved plants that make up more than a minor part of this community are heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) which are frequent throughout this habitat obtaining local dominance in certain areas. Other notable plants found in these grasslands are cowberry (Vaccinium vitus-idaea), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and heather (Calluna vulgaris). Heather and crowberry are restricted to a small area on and around the remains of the mediaeval hunting lodge with crowberry being common in this small area, heather is rare with just a few plants occurring, cowberry occurs across most of the site becoming common to abundant in certain localities.
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Hybrid bilberry (foreground)
Also of note are the hybrid bilberry (Vaccinium x intermedium), which occurs in a small locality to the North of the Northern entrance to the inner rampart and a small colony of hard fern (Blechnum spicant) which is found on a damper, shaded rampart slope to the East of the site.
Most of this acidic grassland is easily defined as National Vegetation Classification (NVC) (Rodwell et. al, 1998) NVC U2 Deschampsia flexuosa grassland although in some of the denser stands of bracken, where only heath bedstraw and some bilberry with minor amounts of grasses survive the habitat can be classed as NVC U20 Pteridium aquilinium – Galium saxatile grassland with transitional areas in between.
The Deschampsia flexuosa grassland contains both the Festuca ovina – Agrostis capillaris sub community and the Vaccinium myrtillus sub community, the latter being found mainly on the North and East facing rampart areas, or in some cases in the lea of the Southern rampart, which also faces North. These areas are cooler, receiving less sun and this sub community is generally found in cooler, wetter environments above 200 metres O.D. with the Festuca ovina – Agrostis capillaris sub community being found in warmer, lower areas. This is reflected at Castle Ring with the site essentially occupying a transitional altitude with cooler, wetter areas generally associated with the Vaccinium myrtillus sub community
Page 34 of 74 and the flatter, drier and warmer parts of the site generally having the Festuca ovina – Agrostis capillaris type. This is purely based on casual observation as no detailed vegetation surveying has been carried out.
Acidic grasslands are a UKBAP (United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan) habitat, although the NVC U20 habitat is not included in this.
3.3.2.1.2 Mesotrophic Grasslands Other grassland types also occur on the site although these only occupy small areas and are mostly confined to the ditch bottoms. These are all to some degree enriched in nutrients, due to natural washing out of richer silts into these ditches, they are therefore mesotrophic grasslands and are species poor, being dominated in various combinations by creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), creeping soft grass (Holcus mollis) and yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus). The periodically waterlogged soils giving rise to these communities grade through into wetter areas with more clearly defined NVC MG 10 rush pasture (Section 3.3.2.1.4). Path edges in places support coarser grasses with lotus spp. and other plants associated with richer soils, this is mainly due to enrichment by dog fouling but is in part due to the importation of soils to repair erosion as can be seen by the localised presence of woodland plants such as bluebell (Hyacinthoides non- scriptus) and red campion (Silene dioica) and the more problematic Endymion hispanica (Endymion hispanica) and japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica).
Page 35 of 74 3.3.2.1.3 Bog Pools
Sphagnum Basin Mire
The large inner rampart and the smaller one running parallel to it create an area of impeded drainage all around the site but at its lowest point toward the South West this has formed areas of near permanent open water and associated Sphagnum basin mire (waterlogged peat) habitats which are generally poor in species.
The areas of open water support species such as bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and water lily (Nuphar lutea) although the latter is most likely an introduction.
The associated mire habitat surrounding the pools contain soft rush (Juncus effusus) which is abundant to dominant, generally around the drier margins but also extending into deeper water occasionally. Sharp flowered rush (Juncus acutiflorus), jointed rush (Juncus articulatus) and the hybrid (J. acutiflorus x articulatus) also occur but are rare generally excluded by the dominance of soft rush. The rushes generally grow out of carpets of Sphagnum spp.which almost completely surround the largest pool and also occur to a lesser extent in the small mire to the North of the carriageway. These are mostly of Sphagnum recurvum, with lesser amount of Sphagnum palustre, other Sphagnum species
Page 36 of 74 may occur, as a complete survey has not yet been carried out. The Sphagnum mats in the pools support little variation in the way of plant species but as already mentioned soft rush occurs occasionally as do sedge (Carex) spp, and some grasses with toad rush (Juncus bufonius) abundant to dominant on these floating mats. Polytrichum commune and other smaller Polytrichum species also occur but generally in the drier margins of this habitat and are fairly rare.
This basin mire habitat, as shown by its noted expansion into the open water, is obviously in an early phase and this poses some problems in terms of its classification. In terms of its physical qualities, location, drainage etc. and to some extent its floristic make up it would seem to fit into the NVC M2 - Sphagnum cuspidatum/recurvum (Rodwell et. al, 1998) bog pool community, lacking certain species.
Although physically and floristically the habitat is similar to the NVC M2 bog pool in terms of species it is also floristically similar to the NVC M6 Carex echinata – Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum (Rodwell et. al, 1998) valley mire which is generally associated with slow flowing waters on a very gentle slope, indeed the habitat could even be defined as the soft rush (Juncus effusus) sub community. Even this definition is by no means precise as the lack of Polytrichum commune and absence of Carex echinata are difficult to explain if this is to be described as NVC M6 mire.
For the purposes of this Management Plan it is useful to know of the previous two mire types and species present (and absent) and necessary to bear in mind that the habitat is transitional, and even possibly recovering from recent (possibly Victorian) drainage and attempted destruction (there is some evidence to support this theory). It is probably best defined as an NVC M2 bog pool community lacking certain species, with historical management, fragmentation and subsequent isolation of these types of habitat being possible influences on its modern day make up. Larger examples of Sphagnum bogs are a UKBAP and European protected habitat type.
Page 37 of 74 3.3.2.1.4 Rush pasture & Associated Habitats
The mesotrophic grassland of the damp ditch bottoms (Section 3.3.2.1.2) grades into a wetter area dominated by soft rush and creeping soft grass, creeping bent and yorkshire fog. This habitat is found around the Western and Southern ditch bottoms (Figure 4 Habitat Map) and fits fairly easily into the NVC MG 10 Agrostis stolonifera – Juncus effusus (Rodwell et. al, 1998) rush pasture, further toward the South and West this habitat gets wetter and grades into mire habitats and open water (Section 3.3.2.1.3).
There is also an area of rush pasture which grades into an inundation type habitat in the extreme South West of the area enclosed by the inner rampart (Figure 4 Habitat Map). This area contains large amounts of soft rush with lesser amounts of Polytrichum commune (although some of this forms mats that cover large areas of a few square metres), some heath rush and areas of bare peat, this is generally interspersed with dry acidic grassland however and does not fit easily into an exact NVC type. The area inundated by water contains a different species make up and is dominated by common sedge (Carex nigra) in the slightly drier margins and also around the main inundation pool, this area also contains willow (Salix spp). again this is difficult to fit into an exact NVC type.
Page 38 of 74 3.3.2.1.5 Woodland, Scattered Trees & Scrub
Retained Woodland A large amount of the trees and scrub on the site were felled toward the end of the last Management Plan period (2000 and 2003) leaving an area of woodland to the North West of the site of around 1 Hectare (Figure 4 Habitat Map). This is an area of secondary woodland of recent origin having begun to develop as recently as the 1970’s. It consists of a partially open canopy of birch (Betula pendula), pendunculate oak (Quercus robur) and scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) with little under storey development and a ground flora of mostly bilberry, bracken and wavy hair grass.
The woodland on the soil at Castle Ring would naturally develop into NVC type W16 – Quercus - Betula, - Deschampsia flexuosa (Rodwell et. al, 1998) woodland. At present the woodland is close to this type but contains a large proportion of scots pine, which has seeded from the surrounding forestry plantations. Scrub on the site is limited due to management decisions, consisting of very small amounts of gorse around the outer ramparts, with young birch and oak regeneration from areas of felled woodland being fairly common. Unfortunately this is rapidly increasing. Some rowan and pine are also present. Where trees and scrub and bracken have been successfully removed areas of bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) are becoming common in areas with richer soil (notably
Page 39 of 74 around the inside edge of the inner rampart) with lesser amounts of honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum). Larger oak trees were retained around the main entrance to the South and around the outer Northern rampart areas and these amount to no more than about 20 trees.
Page 40 of 74 3.3.2.2 Fauna
3.3.2.2.1 Birds
Yellow hammer
The main grassland habitat/s of Castle Ring are generally poor for associated bird species, probably due to human disturbance, however meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) have bred on site for at least the last two consecutive years, and yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) have also been recorded feeding, these are a UKBAP species. Otherwise the site is mainly of use for feeding for more common birds with notable species being kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), raven (Corvus corax) and buzzard (Buteo buteo). Crows (Corvus corone) are often seen feeding also. The woodland edge areas and surrounding Forestry Commission land support numerous common small birds associated with this habitat such as chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) and magpie (Pica pica). Tree creeper (Certhia familaris) and green woodpecker (Picus viridis) have also been noted.
3.3.2.2.2 Mammals
Whilst the record of mammals on site is poor there is consistent evidence through droppings, prints and grazing of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus), with a small rabbit warren located in the Northern rampart toward the carriageway exit.
Page 41 of 74 Evidence of small mammals is abundant with runs etc being common on site but species records are again poor. Mole hills and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have also been noted by members of the public. The lack of records for mammals again shows with no official records of bats however members of the public have noted common pipistrelle bat(Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and the long eared bat (Plecotus auritus). Of these the long eared Bat is a UKBAP (United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan) species. All bat species are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
3.3.2.2.3 Herpetofauna Reptiles and amphibians are better recorded with the common frog (Rana temporaria) and common toad (Bufo bufo) using the ponds for breeding. It does not appear that newts use the site even though members of the public have reported newts in the ponds.
Male common lizard Reptiles are also well represented at Castle Ring with a seemingly large population of common lizard (Lacerta viviparta) spread out across the inner grassland area with it being not uncommon to note 10+ lizards at any one visit. They also seem to utilise suitable habitat on the outer ramparts but at a lower density.
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Female adder Adders (Vipera berus) were also noted for the first time in 2005 with 5 sightings probably amounting to at least 3 individuals with an adult female, male and juvenile all represented. No official sightings were recorded in 2006, however a member of the public noted adders basking on at least 4 occasions in that year. In 2007 3 adders including 2 males and one female were noted on one visit, with a further female noted on another visit but it should be noted that all these sightings only give an idea as to the population as no surveys have yet been carried out. It seems they are utilising a hibernacula to the extreme West of the inner grassland area from which they have been seen emerging on three separate occasions, probably one to the East of the area, another possible hibernacular to the North and another in the Southern part, (Figure 5 Hibernacular Map.) although this is largely conjecture based on locations of sightings. No adders have been noted outside the inner rampart area. The colonization of adders is possibly due to a combination of tree felling at Castle Ring and the neighbouring Beaudesert Scout Camp plantations that have left an open corridor with plenty of potential habitat, however it is possible that this species has simply been overlooked and was an isolated population. Both lizard’s and adders are protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act and are regarded as species that have undergone large decline, with the adder and lizard recently being included as UKBAP species. It is worth noting that the site being around 8. 0Hectres, is classifiable as fitting into the ‘Large Site’ category using English Nature classifications for sites for reptiles (English Nature Research Report 546), this noted “31% adder and lizard sites………were smaller than 6 ha. In both species declines were more frequent on these small sites and in the case of the adder there were fewer stable populations”
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Figure 5 Adder Hibernacular Map
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3.3.2.2.4 Invertebrates Whilst most of Castle Ring’s fauna are under recorded invertebrates are severely under recorded with very few proper records. However during the summer the casual observer can spot many of the species present.
Male black darter
The pond areas are especially good for Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) with various species having been observed and was a noted site for the black darter (Sympetrum danae) in the past (S Barnes, Per Comm., 2007), which is noted as “widespread except in Central England” (Field Studies Council, 2002), a rough survey in 2006 showed the species to still be present but probably with a smaller population than in the past most likely due to sphagnum encroachment on open water. Also noted are more common species such as large red damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) and four spot chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), which is associated with acidic bog ponds and pools. Emperor dragonflies and hawker species have also been noted. The site would also appear to be good for Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) with numerous day flying moths being seen, the lack of proper records again shows with only common butterfly species such as red admiral (Pieris rapae), peacock (Inachis Io) and small white (Pieris rapae) being noted and these are not especially associated with the habitat types present. Species of more interest
Page 45 of 74 include the green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi), which is essentially a grassland/heathland specialist, requiring gorse, bilberry etc. to lay its eggs on. This species is well distributed on site, utilising almost all the areas where its larval food plant, bilberry is present although it should be noted that the populations are at their most dense toward the North where there is a woodland edge/grassland ecotone, this habitat with its shelter is noted as being preferable for the species. Also present is the small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus), which favours open grassland areas and has recently been included as a UKBAP species. Bees and wasps also appear to do well in general and of note are areas of bare ground, which contain small holes from mining bees and wasps, with differing sizes of holes indicating different species, again a lack of records prevents any further description.
Page 46 of 74 3.4 Cultural 3.4.1 Archaeology Figure 6 Existing Features
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The history of the site has already been outlined but due to the sites’ archaeological importance it is worth giving further history of the site for completeness. The irregular-pentagonal multivallate Hill Fort, which is the reason for the sites SAM designation, was built approximately 2,500 years ago by the resident Brythonic tribe of the area, the Cornovii. It was likely the site was a combination of defensive feature, ceremonial site, stockade, communication beacon and symbol of power to those who saw it. Little is known of the site’s use after this early period but it is thought that it was in the process of being modified when it was seemingly abandoned around the time the area was conquered by the Romans. It has indeed been suggested that the site was never completed, although it must be noted that these theories are speculatory as very little in the way of archaeological surveying has been carried out on the site. The next evidence for usage of the site comes from the mediaeval period. A small building’s foundations, which lies in the North Eastern section of the innermost enclosure, were excavated in the early 1900’s and it is thought these, are the remains of a hunting lodge believed to have been built in the reign of Henry II (1154-89). Use of the lodge was abandoned in 1189 when the manors of Cannock and Rugeley were granted to the Bishop of Coventry & Lichfield following the Kings death. The largest effect on Castle Ring came about between 1780-90 following development of a landscape park at Beaudesert. This North and West side of the inner rampart were levelled to form a walkway and for viewing the landscape and two carriage drives were created. One drive cutting directly through the Ring from the main entrance in the East and through the Western embankments with the other running along the Northern boundary. It is presumed that the Hill Fort had been fairly intact up until this point.
In the first half of the 20th century further damage was caused to the outer ramparts with the establishment of forestry, which is still present.
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The SAM designation has major implications for the site management especially in terms of damaging actions and what can and cannot be done. Damage to the monument and any other archaeological remains by tree root systems was of major concern to English Heritage and following consultation with them, lead to felling of all trees in 2000 and 2003 from within the SAM except for a few trees close to entrances in order to deal with illegal motor bike issues. Now this policy has been adopted considerable time is being spent cutting and treating scrub on site so that tree cover never re-establishes. This is the only acceptable option to English Heritage as no digging is allowed on site, other than that to replace existing features. Management of access with regard to the conservation of the archaeology has in the past proved problematic. Erosion scars have readily developed across the ramparts and have had to be repaired in consultation with English Heritage using imported soil and engineered repairs. Whilst this has proved to be fairly successful these erosion scars are reforming in places, and another control method has been to allow bramble and bracken to grow even though the root systems of bracken can also damage the archaeology.
In terms of Archaeology the main management implications are to prevent damage to the structure of the SAM through tree root damage and erosion of the surface.
3.4.2 Past Land Use The Chase prior to the Neolithic period (5500years ago) may have been lightly wooded but was cleared creating a landscape dominated by heath and small areas of farmland and woods. The heather would have been used for grazing, thatch and fuel with bracken for litter and fuel. The construction of the hill fort during the Iron Age (2600 – 2050 years ago) implies that the site may have functioned in a defensive roll but also as a farming settlement. The Chase and presumably Castle Ring became a royal hunting ground and eventually a deer park. This would have resulted in retention of a basic open landscape. During the 1700’s heather and bracken ceased to be a crop and the deer function of parks declined allowing trees to invade the heathland.
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It appears that Castle Ring remained an area subject to rough grazing up to the 21st Century. The 1931 Aerial photo shows a series of parallel lines of various patterns chiefly in the Southern half of the site whilst there appear to be a series of more concentrated NE to SW running lines within the Southern part of the enclosure. These patterns appear to match the surrounding forestry plantations of the 1920’s and may well have been part of that prior to the designation of the site as a SAM in 1925
. Figure 7 - 1931 Aerial Photo of Castle Ring SAM. Reproduced with the permission of The Museum of Cannock Chase. Do not reproduce without permission.
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3.4.3 Present Land Use
The site is currently managed for it’s its archaeology and for its biodiversity, it is generally used as a site of passive recreation including walking, dog walking, and enjoying the views. Dog walking presents two issues, disturbance of nesting birds and also nitrification along path edges. This is not seen as much of a problem (providing this nitrification does not spread) as it actually increases the range of flowering plants and provides extra nectar sources for butterflies, bees, etc.. The provision of appropriate duel waste/dog waste bins and signage at the car park would assist in reducing this issue.
As an educational resource the site has sporadic use by young groups, a lack of detailed site specific information limits the present educational role of the site. A local group have used the site on several occasions to study paranormal activities.
The site does become heavily used especially at peak periods which creates management challenges especially in terms of trying to maintain the atmosphere and tranquillity of the site.
3.4.4 Past Management For Nature Conservation
Previously most of the management occurring on site has concentrated on either conserving its archaeology or improving the infrastructure, with little work being carried out for nature conservation, save the gradual and ongoing removal of larger trees and scrub which culminated in the whole scale removal of large trees in 2000. Primarily this was for Archaeological preservation however it was also a primary management requirement for the acidic grassland and along with fairly consistent bracken control, and scrub cutting and treatment have made up almost all of the management for Nature conservation. Other works of benefit to wildlife have been removal/control of the invasive species Japanese Knotweed and Rhododendron and some vegetation removal (water lily) from the bog pools to keep open water primarily for dragonflies.
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Management prior to 1995 is restricted to anecdotal evidence from long-term members of staff.
3.4.5 The Past Status of The Site
The past status of the site can be expressed as Hill Fort/Farmstead, royal hunting ground, mediaeval hunting lodge, deer park and rough grazing up to the mid 21st Century. Whilst these would have controlled activities via their legal status at that time they would not be relevant today. It is only since 1925 that the site has been recognised in terms of its historical ecological and landscape importance through designation as a SAM, SBI and CCAONB.
The only onsite investigative study was carried out in mid 1920s’s by an archaeologist who excavated around the mediaeval hunting lodge. The results of this excavation are still visible with some of the foundation stones being exposed and the rest of the structure covered in cowberry and crowberry, marking it out from the surrounds.
3.4.6 Present Legal Status of The Site The site was designated as a SAM in 1925 and an SBI in 1991. These legally protect its archaeological features and prevent the ecology of the site from being developed etc. It is also a registered Common under the 1965 Commons Act and listed as Open Access land under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000. Added to this are the two Public Footpaths and Bridleway on the site. These all present potential issues in terms of managing access whilst protecting the sites archaeology and ecology. The site also lies within the CCAONB, which also confers legal protection in the way of tighter development controls etc.
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3.5 People – Stakeholders, Local Communities etc.
3.5.1 Stakeholders
This section details those who use the site or have an interest in the site and its management. These have been grouped together as the stakeholders.
As noted previously Cannock Chase District Council is the owner and manager of the site.
English Heritage is the public body responsible for the designation and guidance for land managers for SAM’s. As such their interest is purely in appropriate management of the site in order to preserve the archaeological integrity of the site
The CCAONB partnership consists of a broad range of public and private bodies and individuals having an interest or ownership of land within the CCAONB. Their primary role is to ensure the protection, enhancement and viability of the character of the CCAONB through the production of the CCAONB Management Plan.
The Beaudesert Trust has close links with the site particularly in respect of its own management plan proposals for improving and developing its facilities and access to and around the Castle Ring with the latter providing a valuable learning resource for the Trust. These proposals have been developed is association with the Council and is the subject of a Heritage Lottery Bid.
The Forestry Commission does own a small sliver of the car park but has little if any involvement with the sites management, though owning most of the surrounding land. However the actual forestry process has a great effect on the character and atmosphere of the site. Involvement with the production of the forest plan and creating and keeping prominent views are key issues for the Council
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Locals primarily use the site as a walking and dog-walking site. Generally relations with this group is amicable with a number of local individuals entering into an agreement in 2007 helping to manage the car park access.
Other users are education groups, these tend to be younger groups carrying out general science and cultural lessons, and these visits are sporadic, but the numbers involved can be large.
Ramblers and walking groups often visit or cross the site and again whilst sporadic, large numbers can be involved adding to the general disturbance and erosion of the site. However, most are respectful of the sits constraints.
Another group who use the site are tourists, either visiting from afar or more locally, and these often visit the site purely to take in the site’s atmosphere, its archaeology, open space and ‘ancient’ feel.
Other less desirable activities such as motor biking and metal detecting occur and these are dealt with appropriately when possible. As can be imagined the relationships between the council as managers and these groups is generally negative but is only very occasional.
3.5.2 Access & Tourism The Access features of the site have been detailed in appendix 4.
The site is readily accessible from the major road networks of the Midlands and is generally well signed with brown tourist signs. There are however some gaps within the signage and most are quite old. There is presently a proposal to change the format of this signage. This aspect is the responsibility of Staffordshire County Council and will require coordination with them, during the life of this plan to overhaul and fill any missing gaps Tourist Sign
In terms of public transport the nearest station is at Cannock, 7.4km distance, which has regular services to Birmingham. There is an hourly bus service (Arriva
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No. 62) from Cannock to Burntwood Monday to Saturday but with only a two hourly service on Sundays. The nearest bus stop to the site is approximately 550 metres to the South of the main entrance-car park, in Cannock Wood village.
The car park can cater for approximately 22 cars. This is sufficient for the majority of days but does become full quickly on sunny weekends and holidays when a large amount of people visit the site or use the car parks a base for other activities across The Chase. To date this has not raised any issues. The adjacent Park Gate Inn car park acts as an overflow and vice versa. Given the present levels of use of the site and its relative isolated rural character together with the CCAONB Management Plan policies aimed at controlling access levels by limiting publicity there is no reason to increase the size of the car park. The present size also helps to control the level of access.
Access within the main site is restricted to pedestrian use and whilst the site is classed as ‘open access’ access is generally guided to the public footpaths and the main path on the rampart that forms the inner enclosure, in order to preserve the archaeological and habitat features.
Whilst the Bridleway (No.32) rarely if ever is used by horses its ending together with that of public footpath (FP9) at the boundary of the Beaudesert Trust land and private Lodge does cause some issues with trespass into the Trust land. It also forces everyone to walk back along the Southern inner rampart or in some cases along the ditches or smaller ramparts. Measures taken to control these secondary routes have conflicted with a few locals.
A solution to all these issues is to create a new path close to the sites Eastern and Southern boundaries but within the Beaudesert Trust land from the Lodge to the car park. The path would also give better views of the rampart and ditches. This proposal has been included within the Beaudesert Management Plan and HLF bid. If for some reason the bid were to be unsuccessful the Council would seek alternative funding sources in partnership with the Trust and other stakeholders.
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Pedestrian access from the car park to Castle Ring is generally via a set of steps up the main rampart. This corresponds to old erosion scar within the inner rampart, later being rebuilt to include the steps. Erosion around the steps is severe due to the high usage and the steps are not ideally suited for use by ambulant disabled people. (It is intended that this will be addressed through actions within the management plan). The alternative access is to follow the public footpath (FP1, Heart of England Way) along the western boundary then enter the ring via public footpath (FP9) that follows the line of the old carriage drive, over two ditched and the reduced ramparts. This still necessitates climbing of steep and slippery slopes. The only access point suitable for wheelchairs is presently from the Eastern end of the site adjacent the Lodge and means a long and difficult journey around the Western and Northern boundaries (FP1 & Bridleway 32) followed by a similar return.
The access path around the inner rampart is made up of compacted local material, which is not ideal for wheelchair or severe ambulatory disabled access but is presently the only suitable material in keeping with the sites heritage. Repairs have previously been made to the path but it is eroding again due to the high level of use particularly on steep sections and where vegetation encroaches causing a narrowing of the path which in turn results in increased wear.
Proposals for access improvement have been incorporated within the Beaudesert Management Plan HLF bid but these will also be dependant on discussion and approval from English Heritage. The proposals include the new Eastern path as noted previously and the installation of a low slim line bridge across the two ditches on the Western boundary along the line of the old carriage drive (FP9), together with resurfacing the path around the whole of the inner rampart.
Directing access to key paths is essential to ensuring the integrity of the SAM and habitats however; it does have the disadvantage of increased wear on these paths due to the heavier use.
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As noted previous, the site is very heavily used essentially acting as a gateway to the Chase. Whilst no surveys have yet been carried out on the site, information collected is based purely on general observation and conversations with visitors by the Countryside Service staff. Locals who are dog walking tend to visit the site in early mornings or after work, educational visits occur generally mid morning or afternoon. Weekends are peak times particularly in summer and during holidays.
Visitor surveys on Cannock Chase in 2000 recorded 2 million visits to the Chase with 11% of visitors aware of Castle Ring. This may suggests annual visitor figures of approximately 220,000 for the site. Obtaining site-based evidence will be essential to ensure the aims and policies of this Management Plan can be met.
3.5.2 Interpretation Provision
Interpretation on the site is presently limited to a small interpretation panel at the North of the car park and gives very basic details about the archaeology, and life in the Iron Age site but nothing about the sites habitats or wildlife. Interpretative elements were built into the recently improved car park and included an engineered entrance ‘rampart’ feature, which provides a lockable barrier that is designed to mimic the eroded ramparts still visible today, in addition a circular stone feature represents the actual size of the base of an Iron Age roundhouses as measured from geophysical surveys of similar sites (anon. P. Scholes per. comm.)
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Circular stone feature representing the general size of the base of an Iron Age Roundhouse.
The Councils website (www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk) has a section devoted to the site which covers its history and wildlife. The Councils Countryside Service undertakes guided walks on the site. However, as yet there is no site specific leaflet
3.5.3 Educational & Research Use
There is limited educational usage of the site but groups of mostly younger school users, studying various scientific disciplines and history, archaeology etc use the site occasionally. The site was also the location of a meeting of a group of scientists from across Europe, as part of the ‘BIOFORUM’ project who used it as an example of nature conservation and archaeological site management in urban areas. The main priority of the ‘BIOFORUM’ project is to create dialogue between stakeholders to reduce the conflict between the conservation of biodiversity and other human activities” (Young et al 2003).
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The Beaudesert Trusts inclusion of Castle Ring within their Management Plan & HLF bid recognise the sites valuable learning resource.
3.6 Landscape
The site comprises the highest point of Cannock Chase and the surrounding area for 30 miles or more, with the Chase area consisting of undulating hills and valleys with some occasionally steeper slopes which vary in elevation from around 100 metres in the valley bottoms to over 200 metres on the hill tops, with Castle Ring itself sitting at over 240 metres providing commanding views across these hills, ridges and valleys with views to the North of the Peak District National Park on a clear day, and immediately North of the Chase the industrial scene of the power station of Rugeley. The landscape forms are generally obscured to the West and East due to extensive forestry of a single age, with the landscape to the South consisting of a patchwork of small agricultural fields and hedgerows gradually sloping South toward the urban areas of the West Midlands, the view to the South is somewhat obscured by forestry on the West and East of the car park.
Castle Ring is an important landscape feature for its archaeological and historical interest. It provides a sense of ancientness and an air of mystery and tranquillity to the visitor. The Hill Fort topography and rural seclusion of the site are largely responsible for this character, which may be exaggerated by the apparent ‘wilderness’ of the heathland & grassland vegetation and the present enclosure on all but the Northern side by woodland.
The relative enclosed nature of the site resulting from forest plantations belies the original open and exposed character of the site. Working with the Forestry Commission, the present Forest Design Plan has been adapted so as to avoid replanting close to Castle Ring following felling and to create and maintain important views. Figure 8 Forest Design Plan for Castle Ring
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Figure 8 Forest Design Plan for Castle Ring
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3. 7 Management Objectives
3.7.1 Archaeology (Appendix 1) The archaeological objective is dictated by the legal status of the site as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is actually fairly simple. Upon entering the site visitors will see high quality interpretation informing them of the importance of the archaeology and its susceptibility to damage. Visitors will also notice how open the site is, with no larger trees or scrub the root systems of which would damage the archaeology. Also apparent will be the good condition of access points, paths, handrails and steps thereby encouraging use of these features and not climbing across ramparts causing erosion. The outer ramparts will have a high level of bracken cover, this will deter most visitors from these areas, this must however be kept in check to avoid excessive damage to archaeology from bracken root systems. The responsibility for archaeological conservation will fall to all those working on the site who will act responsibly in carrying out any works or activities ensuring that no damage is caused SAM.
3.7.2 Nature Conservation (Appendix 2)
(i) Acid Grassland
Acidic grassland will fit into the NVC Category U2, and will therefore consist of Deschampsia flexuosa with lesser amounts of Festuca ovina and Agrostis capillaris, which are likely to naturally favour the flatter, warmer areas and also other areas with a lot more Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), with Crowberry and Cowberry, these areas are more likely to be found on the ramparts and shaded cooler areas. Throughout the area, in both of these slightly different grassland types will be found significant amounts of heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile)
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forming short carpets intermingled with the grasses, sometimes dominating areas completely. Some heather, sheep’s sorrel and tormentil may also be found in either of these slightly different grassland types. The lateral structure of the habitat will be varied and acid grassland will be the dominant habitat throughout the central area of the site, (Zone 1) with lesser amounts within the inundation area (Zone 2) and exist sporadically and in smaller patches on the outer ramparts (Zone 5) but will exist in an intricate mosaic with areas of dense and scattered bracken and larger, dense areas of bramble with possibly some honeysuckle. These scattered patches of bramble, honeysuckle and bracken will contain sufficient deadwood and bark, to provide suitable habitat for reptiles (Appendix 2 Section 1.2.4.2) The vertical structure of the grassland will be varied, with small areas of very short, almost bare ground, ranging through to taller grass, this will probably be aided by the grazing of rabbits which will create very short ‘Lawns’ of grassland and areas of more varied, almost tussocky areas which will be lightly grazed by red deer which roam through the Cannock Chase area.
(ii) Sphagnum Bog
The Sphagnum bog and bog pool habitats will contain various elongate approximately oval zones, which will be species poor but with a general shared dominance of various Sphagnum and other moss species, with accompanying grasses, rushes and sedges and occasional dwarf shrubs. The slightly different zones that these species occur in will only become apparent under careful observation of the particular species; these will in the short term surround small areas of open water in the centre of the rain fed hollows, however over time these will become vegetated with Sphagnum spp. and open water will gradually disappear.
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The outer most areas will contain a large amount of rushes and grasses, perhaps with some dwarf shrubs and with a ground carpet containing mostly moss species of Polytrichum but also with some Sphagnum, which in this zone will probably be mostly Sphagnum palustre, a pale green moss, other mosses and lichens and some sedges may also be present. There may also be some bare areas of peat present in this area. The next zone inward will on first inspection appear similar but will contain a much higher proportion of Sphagnum mosses, mostly dark green Sphagnum recurvum with less rush cover but containing other rushes such as sharp flowered rush and articulated rush, with some grass species. Moving further toward the centre the distinction of zones will be more obvious to the untrained eye with far more dark green Sphagnum, and very little tall rush cover, the Sphagnum will appear to completely cover the outer pool area like a carpet, intermingled with this dark green moss may be Sphagnum auriculatum, a paler green/yellow moss which is more often submerged, these blobs, lawns and sunken areas of moss will act as a surface for finer, shorter grasses and rushes, which will appear to float on these mossy lawns and islands. These islands will in the short term be surrounded by small areas of open water, which will contain emergent species such as bogbean, floating species such as flote grass and in the short term contain abundant frogs, toads, damselflies and various species of dragonfly which over time are likely to become increasingly rare due to the pool’s succession to Sphagnum bog which will be allowed to continue.
(iii) Black Darter
Small areas of open water, around 1metre x 1metre currently exist within the bog pool habitats in a mosaic, with preference given to the developing Sphagnum bog but these small areas of water currently provide suitable habitat for black darter (and other dragonflies and
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damselflies). The populations of black darter and other dragonflies are therefore small, and it is presumed that due to the development of the Sphagnum bog the black darter and other dragonfly and damselfly species will gradually die out. Whilst this is not a desirable situation the Sphagnum bog habitat is a habitat of European importance as opposed to a dragonfly of regional importance, therefore the bog habitat must take precedence. Long term management of the black darter and other dragonflies present will therefore aim to provide a suitable pool nearby but out of the site due to the archaeology, this will necessitate partnership working, probably with the Forestry Commission whose land the bog and pool habitats eventually drain onto. If and when this pool is constructed and has become colonized by the black darter and other species, this section of the management plan will become defunct; otherwise the black darter and other dragonflies will die out, and this section will again be defunct.
(iv) Reptiles
Common lizard and adder can already be seen on site, and the management objective will be to provide more suitable habitat to increase the populations of both species. Lizards will be more common on site than they presently are, and the aim for adders is to increase the small population to one that isn’t in such a danger of being made extinct on the site, or more simply to a larger, more sustainable population which will not be prone to extinction from a single event, or combination of events. This will mean better habitat management for the reptiles, which is to some extent in direct conflict with the management of the acid grassland (Appendix 2 Section 1.2.1.2) which will need to consist of an intricate mosaic with areas of dense and scattered bracken and larger, dense areas of bramble with possibly some honeysuckle. These scattered patches of bramble, honeysuckle, and bracken with possibly
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some gorse will contain sufficient deadwood and bark, organized in piles, loose stacks and randomly scattered throughout and will consist of various sizes of wood, from twigs to large logs and various stages of decomposition to provide suitable hibernation sites or hibernacula for the reptile populations. Whilst these hibernacula could almost be anywhere it is envisaged that they will mostly be around or close to the inner base of the inner rampart as this will discourage human disturbance to reptiles, and will also be positioned in or under areas of bramble to provide additional cover and protection from disturbance. Additional hibernacular will be found in the woodland area, and be created from felled wood from selective thinning of the woodland when required, and still more will be found on the outer ramparts and toward the margins of the site, anywhere dry where disturbance is likely to be limited. In addition near to all of these hibernacular with bramble/ bracken cover shorter areas of grass or bare ground to provide warm areas for basking will be found. Hibernacular will not be found toward the inundation area or any damper areas. In all other respects the management for reptiles will be interlinked to the management for the acid grassland.
7.7.3 Stakeholders (Appendix 3)
The evaluation has identified just two objectives for stakeholders and these are shown below: Review and update the knowledge of stakeholders, their requirements and activities. Ensure stakeholders knowledge and understanding of the site, its features and requirements is utilised in order to lessen future conflicts.
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3.7.4 Access and Tourism (Appendix 4) The evaluation has identified the following objectives for access and tourism and these are shown below: Create and instigate regular survey work to identify who uses the site, why and when they do so as well as their experience of the site in order to build a clear picture of the sites usage and any trends . Maintain a good visitor experience through a well-maintained litter - free site, site furniture, car park etc. Well designed and constructed site furniture will help guide visitors and stop erosion scars forming Review and upgrade as appropriate the access provision to the site in association with stakeholders Improve access provision in and around the site especially for disabled use but also to manage conflict and erosion issues Investigate the potential of developing some sort of Internet based virtual access.
3.7.5 Interpretation (Appendix 5) Develop and produce a site specific leaflet in line with corporate policies and guidance Improve the site based interpretation to cover all aspects of the site
3.7.6 Landscape To maintain the site character of tranquillity and mystery To retain expansive views to the North whilst potentially creating vistas to other key points through partnership working.
3.7.7 Operational (Appendix 6) This section will outline and discuss the legal and any other obligations that Cannock Chase Council are obliged to adhere to. The majority of these have already been discussed in other sections, for example the preservation of the site as a SAM imparts legal obligations or the upkeep of paths, so this section will not include these.
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Community involvement, informal education, and the Health and Safety aspects of managing the site are all key to the sites success and is the key role that the Countryside Service plays. This is in part achieved through a volunteer group which carries out various tasks under the supervision and training of the Countryside Service and has involved a number of members of the local community carrying out various practical tasks and other work such as surveying etc. In addition local residents also act as volunteers unlocking and locking the car park barrier. Carry out documented monthly site check of all site furniture, paths and the monument itself to provide a record of the condition of these, with repairs and replacements being carried out where necessary.
3.8 Project Recording
All relevant project recording sheets and survey base sheets and results sheets for each year’s surveys are to be filed in this section and/or in a computer folder for spreadsheet based records. The exact format of these data recording sheets is to be determined and will be standardised and record all relevant information as shown in the management projects sections. Therefore they must show staff time and financial expenditure, equipment used, timing of operations, area operation carried out in and any other relevant factors for each. All of these factors are to be recorded systematically as any change in management due to lack of resources, bad weather etc. may have an implication for any changes recorded in the feature being managed, either individually or in combination, so these changes can be understood by this systematic approach.
3.9 Action Plan Below is a summary of the action plans the complete action plans for each feature are list in appendix 7.
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Bibliography
Cannock Chase Council, 1933, Conveyance doc 23.3.1993, Deed Packet No. 900
Cannock Chase Council, 1997, Castle Ring Management Plan
Rodwell, J.S. (Editor) et al, 1998, British Plant Communities, Volume 2, mires and heaths. Cambridge University press, pp628
Rodwell, J.S. (editor) et al, 1998, British Plant Communities, Volume 1,woodlands and scrub. Cambridge University press, pp 395
Rodwell, J.S.(editor) et al, 1998, British Plant Communities, Volume 5, grasslands and montane habitats. Cambridge University press, pp 452
Sterry,P Complete British Wildlife, Collins , 1997 pp 384
Young J, Nowicki P, Alard D, Henle K., Johnson R, Matouch S, Niemelä J.,and Watt A, (editors) 2003, Conflicts between human activities and the conservation of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, grasslands, forests, wetlands and uplands in Europe. A Report of the BIOFORUM project, August 2003 pp170.
Personal Communication Barnes, Steve, (December 2006), Personal communication regarding the past nature conservation interest of the site. Scholes, Peter, (July 2007), Personal communication regarding the circular interpretation feature on site entrance.
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Websites http://www.brantacan.org.uk/adders_h.htm http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ http://www.english-nature.org.uk/ for English Nature Research Report 546 http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/CSM_lowland_grassland.pdf http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/CSM_lowland_heathland.pdf http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/CSM_lowland_wetland.pdf http://www.met-office.gov.uk/
Television Channel 4, English Heritage Landscape Architect speaking on Time Team episode Relating to Bronze Age barrows and their location in the landscape
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List of Figures
Figure 1 Site location map Page 17 Figure 2 Land ownership map Page 19 Figure 3 Map of management zones Page 25 Figure 4 Habitat map Page 32 Figure 5 Map showing locations of hibernacula Page 44 Figure 6 Existing features map Page 47 Figure 7 1931 Aerial photograph of Castle Ring Page 50 Figure 8 Map of Forest Design plan Page 60
List of Photos & illustrations
View from ancient entrance SW across site Page 4 Artistic reconstruction of everyday Iron Age life Page 12 Entrance way and car park Page 15 Volunteers & staff installing a new handrail Page 20 Acidic grassland Page 33 Hybrid bilberry Page 34 Sphagnum basin mire Page 36 Retained woodland Page 39 Yellow hammer Page 41 Male common lizard Page 42 Female adder Page 43 Male black darter Page 45 Tourist sign Page 54 Circular stone feature representing Iron Age roundhouse Page 58
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List of Abbreviations
BVPI Best Value Performance Indicator CCAONB Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty CCC Cannock Chase Council CHASE Children and Young People Healthier Communities, Housing and Older People Access to Skills, Economic Development and Enterprise Safer and Stronger Communities Environment DEFRA Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs ES Environmental Stewardship GR Grid Reference ft feet FP Public Footpath Ha Hectare HLF Heritage Lottery Fund m Metre mm Millimetre NVC National Vegetation Classification OD Ordnance Datum Ma Mega Annum pH Power of Hydrogen SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument SBI Site of Biological Importance spp Species SWOT Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats UK United Kingdom UKBAP United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan
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List of Appendices
Appendix 1 Archaeology - Features of Interest Appendix 2 Nature Conservation - Features Of Interest Appendix 3 Stakeholders Appendix 4 Access & Tourism Appendix 5 Interpretation Appendix 6 Site Operations Appendix 7 Action Plans Appendix 8 Health and Safety Monitoring form
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