COUNTRYSIDE TRAINING PARTNERSHIP Ltd

State of the AONB Report Cannock Chase AONB

March 2010

Front cover: Brindley Heath Cannock Chase AONB This page: Beaudesert bluebells Cannock Chase AONB

State of the AONB Report ______

Cannock Chase AONB

COUNTRYSIDE TRAINING PARTNERSHIP Ltd

Red Kite Environment Pearcroft Pearcroft Rd Stonehouse Gloucestershire GL10 2JY Tel: 01453 822 013 Fax: 01453 791 969 Email: [email protected]

Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Contents

Part 1 State of the AONB...... 1

Introduction...... 1

Theme 1 Landscape ...... 3 Heathland ...... 3 Forest and woodlands ...... 5 Valley wetlands...... 8 Flora and fauna...... 10 Flora and fauna...... 11 Geology and soils ...... 13 Historic landscapes and features...... 14 Fringe agricultural landscapes...... 16 Development...... 18 Theme 2 People ...... 19 Traffic...... 19 Theme 3 Economy...... 20 Local Economy ...... 20 Theme 4 Recreation ...... 21 Peace and tranquillity ...... 21 Wilderness...... 23 Views ...... 24 Recreation ...... 25 Part 2 Future Condition Monitoring ...... 27 AONB State of the Environment Reports ...... 27 Discussion and recommendations...... 29 Appendix 1 – Relationship to national guidance ...... 33

Appendix 2 – Linking indicators to the Management Plan ...... 34

Appendix 3 – Data sources...... 37

i Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Part 1 State of the AONB

Introduction

This report presents a picture of the condition of Cannock Chase AONB in 2010. It uses as its base a State of the AONB report produced in 2004 which provided a framework of ‘special qualities’ of the AONB and ‘proposed indicators’ that can be used to measure these qualities. This first report identified ten ‘special qualities’ for the AONB and provided for each a comment on its nature, a current measure of condition, a proposed set of indicators and actions required to maintain or improve condition.

Steve Welch The ten qualities are:

• Peace and tranquillity • Wilderness – not able to see farmland, buildings or moving traffic • Views within, of and from the Chase floodplain Trent Valley • Heathland – importance for its wildlife and the contribution it makes to the landscape mosaic and feeling of wilderness • Forest and woodlands – including veteran oaks and ancient semi-natural woodland, beech belts and productive forest • Valley wetlands • Flora and Fauna – deer, reptiles, birds (eg nightjars), insects, plants • Geology and soils • Historic landscapes and features – ancient monuments, parkland, listed buildings and wartime uses • The fringe agricultural landscapes

The report also identifies four ‘key activities and pressures’ that impact on the special qualities of the AONB. For each of these it provides a brief commentary on the activity/pressure, the current state of knowledge of the activity/pressure, actions needed and agencies responsible for management.

The four key activities and pressures are:

• Recreation – activities and infrastructure • Traffic – speed, volume and type • Development – extent/location, design/suburbanisation, eyesores/derelict land, agricultural change/horsiculture, quarrying, telecommunications and renewable energy • Local economy – employment generated by the AONB

The AONB Management Plan is the key document for determining management action for the AONB. The purpose of the State of the AONB report is to provide evidence for the AONB’s condition which informs the development of objectives, policies and actions, and also to provide a baseline for future monitoring. The Management Plan considers the

1 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report management of the AONB under five themes which broadly embrace the attributes of, and impacts on, the AONB. These themes are:

• Landscape – its landscape features, wildlife, habitats, historic features and rivers • People – the AONB’s accessibility and use by people, and people’s impacts on its features • Economy – the capacity of communities to maintain livelihoods through farming and forestry, tourism, small businesses • Recreation – the opportunity the AONB provides for activity • Support – funding, the role of legislation and the activities of the AONB Partnership in protecting and managing the AONB

To maintain continuity with the previous State of the AONB report, and to provide an effective means of monitoring AONB condition for subsequent reviews of the management plan the ten special qualities and four activities and pressures have been grouped as follows under four of the five key themes.

Landscape • Heathland • Forest and woodlands • Valley wetlands • Flora and fauna • Geology and soils • Historic landscapes and features • Fringe agricultural landscapes

People • Traffic

Economy • Local economy

Recreation • Recreation • Peace and tranquillity • Wilderness • Views

The fifth theme – Support – concerns itself with the administration of the AONB and is, therefore, not considered in this report.

To help with aggregation of data at a regional or national level the themes contained within the AONB management plan have been regrouped to reflect national guidance on the scope of State of the AONB reports. This information along with the recommended datasets (or indicators) is shown in Appendix 1.

2 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Theme 1 Landscape

Heathland

Indicator Percentage area of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in favourable condition

Baseline data has been established

Overview A major characteristic of Cannock Chase AONB is heathland, which is a remnant of an ancient hunting chase. The heathland provides a strong sense of spaciousness to the AONB and is an important habitat for a high diversity of plants and animals. It is associated with areas of native oak

woodlands and wood pasture that were once AONB Chase Cannock widespread in the midlands.

Current situation The Cannock Chase SSSI covers 1281.09ha, which is nearly 19% of the AONB area (6800ha). mosaic Heathland The SSSI consists of 919Ha of dwarf shrub heath, 19Ha of fen, marsh and swamp, and 326ha of broadleaved mixed and yew woodland. A survey of condition of the SSSI was undertaken in 2006 which identified the following:

• Compartments 1 (Milford Quarry, 6.3ha), 21 (15.6ha), 31 (1.04ha), 33 (6.59ha), 34 (3.6ha), are considered to be in ‘favourable’ condition – a total of 33.13ha.

• Compartment 26 (23.7ha), an area of fen, marsh and swamp, is classed as in ‘unfavourable no change’ condition, due to water abstraction.

• The remainder of the SSSI (1224.26ha) is classed as in ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition although no reasons have been given for this status. This area includes both dwarf shrub heath and broadleaved mixed and yew woodland. It is not possible to disaggregate the heathland from the woodland data.

Generally, significant management work has been carried out on heathland areas on Cannock Chase since 1999, to spray bracken, reduce birch and pine scrub and cut old stands of heather. The aim is to create a mosaic of different age classes of heather, but lack of resources and the incidence of phytophera disease is preventive sufficient management work from taking place. There have been significant reductions in bracken from 77% coverage to 4%. However, the balance of healthy heather to mature heather is still much the same1.

1 Pers com. Sue Sheppard, Staffordshire County Council, 2010 3 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

A study on the effects of bracken spraying on the invertebrate fauna of Cannock Chase2 found that areas of heathland where heather was in a ‘regenerating’ condition carried the highest number of ‘local’ species (nine). The areas with dominant bracken had five ‘local’ species while the areas with mature heather had the least, at four. The sprayed areas where the heather was regenerating had generalist, as well as specialist bare ground and heathland species. This assemblage will probably be at its most diverse between the early stages of regeneration and before it reaches maturity when the diversity starts to decline.

Of the five species recorded in the bracken plot three were heathland or moorland species while the other two were species of leaf litter and woodlands. This suggests that heathland associated species are likely eventually to move away in bracken dominated areas as conditions become damper and more shaded.

Hybrid bilberry (Vaccinium x intermedium) is a nationally rare hybrid between bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and cowberry (Vaccinium vitisidaea). Over 25% of the UK population is in Staffordshire, much of it on Cannock Chase. The plant grows mainly alongside paths and tracks, surrounded by both sets of parents. In woodland it colonises open areas where tree cover is less dense. It also grows in gaps between mature heather plants. Bracken has a detrimental effect on the growth of hybrid bilberry. Numerous communities on Shoal Hill now seem to be struggling due to vigorous bracken growth. The plant also struggles where trees have been felled. Communities of hybrid bilberry growing round the edges of conifer plantations at the ‘Toc H’ disabled trail have disappeared completely since the trees were felled.

Due to the outbreak of Phytophera disease on Cannock Chase there is considerable difficulty in undertaking both management and monitoring work in heathland and woodland areas. Phytophera has animal carriers and there have been significant restrictions in the use of grazing animals to maintain heathland and also in access for people in certain areas. The existence of the disease is likely to significantly curtail management and monitoring for the foreseeable future.

Recommendations Analysis of the evidence of SSSI condition indicates that much of the heathland in the AONB, together with areas of broadleaved mixed and yew woodland and dwarf scrub Sue Sheppard Sue Sheppard heath, are in unfavourable condition, but recovering.

Further work needs to be done to identify key indicator species for heathlands to aid effective monitoring of heathland condition. Bilberry Chase Cannock

2 Cannock Chase AONB Landscape Monitoring, The effects of bracken spraying on the invertebrate fauna of Cannock Chase AONB, Andy Jukes and Sarah Henshall, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, March 2006 4 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Forest and woodlands

Indicator 1 The balance between conifers and native species and the restoration of ancient and semi-natural woodland 2 Area of SSSI in favourable condition

Baseline data has been established

Overview The native oak woodland of Cannock Chase is restricted but is an important habitat and a striking feature of the landscape. It is a remnant of once widespread forest in the midlands and includes several hundred ancient pollarded oak trees, some of which are 600 years old.

Parkland and wood-pasture are also important habitats within the AONB. They are of great historic interest representing a type of land management dating back to at least the 13th Century and also have high biodiversity interest. Throughout the AONB AONB Chase Cannock there are remnants of parkland and wood pasture and of the species associated with them, in particular veteran trees, scattered in plantations and arable and improved fields. Beaudesert bluebells Beaudesert bluebells Current situation The percentage of area in the AONB devoted to forestry and woodland (Table 1) was determined in the Statistical Digest for Cannock Chase AONB3.

Table 1 Percentage of Area in the AONB Devoted to Forestry and Woodland

WOODLAND TYPE AREA (ha) % OF AONB AREA Ancient Replanted (total) 97.03 1.41 Ancient Semi-natural (total) 64.47 0.94

Forest and Woodlands Woodlands in Forestry Commission ownership comprise 2425Ha which include the following types: • Native Broadleaved – 211ha • Other Broadleaved – 20ha • Pine – 1481ha

3 Statistical Digest for Cannock Chase AONB, Centre for Rural Research, University College Worcester, 2003. Source, English Nature 5 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

• Larch – 156ha • Other Con – 20ha • Non-woodland – 538ha • Ancient Woodland – 95ha made up of: o Ancient Semi Natural Woodland – 9ha o PAWS – 54ha o Wood Pasture – 32ha

The condition of ancient woodlands is determined by the proportion of native tree species present within each subcompartment of the forest. There is a total of 95Ha of Forestry Commission ancient woodland which are classified as:

• Score 1 (Ancient Semi Natural Woodland) – 4ha where 80-100% of trees are native and appropriate to type • Score 2 (Reasserting Woodland) – 8ha where 50-80% of trees are native and appropriate to type • Score 3 (Plantation 20-50) – 23ha where 20-50% of trees are native and appropriate to type • Score 4 (Plantation <20) – 50ha where 0-20% trees are native and appropriate to type

Woodlands in Staffordshire County Council ownership fall within the Cannock Chase Country Park and are largely plantation woodlands, some of which are destined to be cleared. The extent of different types of woodland in the country park was assessed in the 2005 Phase 1 survey. A total of 1310 ha was assessed in the survey out of the 1340.36 ha of the Country Park. The proportions of woodland types were found to be:

• Broadleaved woodland/plantation - 254.66 ha = c. 19% of CP area • Coniferous woodland/plantation - 61.99 ha = c. 5% of CP area • Mixed woodland/plantation - 207.32 ha = c. 16% of CP area • Total woodland - 523.97 ha = 40% of CP area

There are also scattered trees, scrub and gorse within the Country Park comprising 209.5 ha or c. 16% of CP area which brings the total area of woodland, trees and gorse to 56% of the CP area. This figure exceeds the target for its SAC Conservation Objectives.

Parkland A total of 246 hectares of intact parkland (including 85 hectares of ‘informal’ woodpasture at Brocton Coppice) and 79.9 hectares of former parkland were identified within the AONB boundary during a survey undertaken in 20014. Intact parkland therefore represents 3.65% of the total land area of the AONB and former parkland covers 1.19% of the total land area of the AONB. Parkland is therefore an important component of Cannock Chase for its wildlife and landscape interest.

Formal parklands are largely confined to the estates of Shugborough Hall and Hatherton Hall. Although they have been subjected to improvements in land management they are still considered to be of county importance for their wildlife value mainly for the numbers of veteran trees. Brocton Coppice is a fine example of informal wood pasture that despite resembling more of a woodland in its structure still retains high conservation importance. Haywood Park and Wet Slade / Wolseley Park also contain remnant broadleaved trees that are in good condition, have high wildlife value, and should be considered as prime areas for restoration. Elsewhere in the AONB, however, there are large numbers of other old ‘parks’

4 The Parkland and Wood Pasture within the Cannock Chase AONB, S Stafford and JR Webb, 2001 6 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report which have now lost their broadleaved trees and whose condition can be considered now to be poor.

Effects of conifer clearing In a survey undertaken on the effects of conifer clear felling on invertebrates5 the highest diversity of invertebrates (31 species), and the highest number of ‘local’ invertebrate species (7), were recorded in plots where conifers had been felled and heathland regeneration was well under way. Areas that had been clear felled and replanted with Scots pine were least diverse (16 species, of which one was of ‘local’ importance). The overall diversity of the coniferous plantation was actually more than the clear-felled plot in early stages of regeneration, due largely to the understory of bramble, grasses, bracken and birch.

There has been a change in species mixes in conifer plantations in recent years due the impact of Redband Needle Blight which affects Corsican pine.

Recommendations Key indicator species should be identified for woodlands, wood pasture and parklands to aid effective monitoring of condition. Consideration should be given to – area of private woodland under English Woodland Grant Schemes. Cannock Chase AONB Chase Cannock Beaudesert bluebells Beaudesert bluebells

5 Cannock Chase AONB Landscape Monitoring, Conifer felling and its effects on invertebrate diversity, Andy Jukes and Sarah Henshall, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, March 2006 7 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Valley wetlands

Indicator The condition of the valley wetlands, as part of the SSSI, together with the presence of key indicator species e.g. sundew

Baseline data has been established for selected species

Overview Cannock Chase AONB has a series of waterways forming isolated sections of the Upper Sow, Penk, and Trent catchments. The streams are varied, flowing through coniferous and broadleaved woodlands, wet heathland and mire. Surveys undertaken during 2006 and 2007 studied five streams – Sher Brook, Old Brook and Stony Brook (2006) and the Shropshire Brook and Fallow Stream (2007)6. The focus of the studies was to identify evidence of white-clawed Crayfish

(Austropotamobius pallipes) and other Mott Nick invertebrates as indicators of the water quality of the streams, and in turn of the quality of the surrounding land and the presence of impurities, leachates and chemicals. Upper Sher Brook Brook Sher Upper Current situation Crayfish

Sher Brook, Old Brook and Stony Brook Monitoring has taken place but data was not available at the time of writing.

Shropshire Brook and Fallow Stream 91 crayfish were recorded during the survey, including 58 adults and 33 juveniles. 22 were from the Fallow Stream and 69 from Shropshire Brook. The juveniles, and plentiful signs of moulting, provided evidence of a good breeding rate.

The Shropshire Brook has been subjected to a number of modifications for forestry, fishing and other purposes. Several large on-line pools have been created and stocked with carp species, causing some eutrophication and predation on crayfish. The majority of these ponds, with their poor connectivity, are therefore poor habitats for crayfish, and on other aquatic groups. The best quality habitat for crayfish was found on the Lower Shropshire Brook downstream of Horsepasture Pools, with good cover, breeding and foraging opportunities for crayfish.

6 AONB Streams Project Year 2: Shropshire Brook and Fallow Stream, Andy Jukes and Nick Mott, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, March 2008 8 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Although the Fallow Stream is a straightened watercourse it has many features, including woody debris that help to trap mobile sediments, silt, leaves and twigs, that provide ideal refuges for crayfish.

No evidence of the American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniuusculus) was found during the survey.

Although crayfish were recorded in reasonable numbers in places along the watercourses and the Staffordshire Brook population is one of the key breeding sites in Staffordshire, the populations on both watercourses remain extremely threatened and vulnerable.

Invertebrates

Sher Brook, Old Brook and Stony Brook Monitoring has taken place but data was not available at the time of writing.

Shropshire Brook Three species of National Status are found in the brook – Diogma glabrata, a nationally scarse cranefly; Sciophilla fenestella, a RDB3 fungus gnat; and Hydrotaea cinerea, a nationally scarce muscid fly.

Fallow Stream Fallow Stream has three species of National Status – Dolichopus lineatocornis (RDB1), Hercostomus nigrilamellatus, a national scarce dolly fly, and Metalimnobia quadrimaculata, a pRDB2 cranefly. The latter is known from only three other sites in Britain, all of which are ancient woodlands. These records are significant and allude to the historic nature of the area.

Otter In a survey undertaken during February and March 20037 on otter and water vole in the AONB evidence of otters was found at 16 of 60 sites surveyed. The survey concluded that Cannock Chase AONB was a suitable-to-good quality otter habitat. Otters are known to be resident on the Rivers Sow, Trent and Penk. Although these rivers have been heavily engineered in the past they retain sufficient habitat for otters, with the Shugborough Park Estate being the focal point for otter activity.

Assessment of Stafford, Rising, Shropshire and Sher Brooks and some of the old duck decoys revealed that very little physical modification had taken place and that they, too, retained many of the characteristics of watercourses that are attractive to otters. Increasing fish biomass in the Stillwater fishery ponds has also increased the potential carrying capacity of the AONB for otters. Blackburn Chris

Otter 7 Otter and Watervole Survey, Cannock Chaswe AONB 2003, Nick Mott, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, 2003 9 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Water vole In the 2003 survey, evidence of water vole was found at eight of the 60 surveyed sites. The survey concluded that the majority of the Cannock Chase AONB is of sub-optimal habitat quality for water voles due to the shape and profile of watercourses and the nature of the bankside vegetation. Exceptions were the Stillwater fishery pools (eg Hazelslade LNR) and canals (eg the Broadwater near Tixall), and the catchments of the Upper Sherbrook, upper Old Acre Burn, parts of the Rising Brook, the Stafford Brook SSSI and sections of the Redmoor Brook.

Water voles are therefore considered to be rare or threatened in the AONB. Surveys undertaken between 1996 and 2000 identified a 73% loss at recorded water vole sites, which as attributed to increased fragmentation of populations, habitat destruction and degradation, persecution and predation.

Recommendations Key indicator species should be identified for valley wetlands to aid effective condition monitoring. The depressed river mussel should be included in a list of species. Nick Mott Fair Oak Pool Pool Fair Oak

10 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Flora and fauna

Indicator The condition of selected key indicator species and habitats

Baseline data on selected key species has been established

Overview Cannock Chase has the largest area of lowland heath in the Midlands, together with a wide variety of other habitats, including broadleaved and conifer woodlands, scrub, grassland and wetland. Some of the heathland areas have been badly infested by bracken since the fires of the 1970’s but more recent habitat management work has helped to eradicate the bracken and restore heather. This section reviews distribution and status of selected key species found on the Chase. Andy Coggins Coggins Andy Current situation Breeding Birds Nightjar The varied habitats provide nesting and feeding sites for many bird species including rarities such as nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler. A breeding bird census carried out in 20078 recorded a total of 45 species breeding on the Chase. A comparison of numbers recorded during the 20029 census revealed the following:

Expanding populations – Buzzard, Woodlark, Grey Wagtail, Redstart, Stonechat, Grasshopper Warbler, Raven, Siskin and Reed Bunting. Of these, Redstart and Grasshopper Warbler were in decline in 2002. The numbers of Woodlark, a category A bird of national importance, may not be sustainable in the long term.

Stable populations – Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Hobby, Woodcock, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Flycatcher. Turtle Dove numbers are still small and Staffordshire is on the northern edge of its range.

Declining populations – Lapwing, Nightjar, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Pipit. Nightjar have been declining for some time, possibly due to disturbance or cold wet weather. Tree Pipit have generally stable populations so this is a minor fluctuation. Lapwing have suffered from disturbance while the numbers of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker are so small that even a minor fluctuation is noticeable.

New breeding records – Quail, Snipe, Stock Dove, Barn Owl, Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Tit and Crossbill.

8 The Breeding Birds of Cannock Chase in 2007, JS Bennett, West Midlands Bird Club, 2007 9 The Breeding Birds of Cannock Chase in 2002, JS Bennett, S Welch and RJ Jennett, West Midlands Bird Club, 2002 11 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Generally, bird populations are fluctuating, the woodlark responding positively to management practices. It is uncertain, though, whether current populations are sustainable. Nightjars are probably suffering from increased recreation, though climate change may be driving the population further north10.

A bird census undertaken on Gentleshaw Common during 2005/611 recorded 66 species of breeding birds and 70 species of overwintering birds. The open ground of the common is particularly suitable to raptors and during the winter months Common Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel, Merlin, Short eared Owl and Tawny Owl were all seen hunting over the area.

Bryophytes Surveys undertaken on Gentleshaw Common during 200512 showed that the bryophyte community was quite poor, but not unusually so for this habitat. Heathland habitats are acidic and their bryophyte communities are not diverse. A total of nine species of bryophyte were found during the survey including two species of Sphagnum (S. palustre and S. denticulate) and Polytrichum commune from the mire and wet heath areas. Others of note include Campylopus introflexus and Leptobryum pyriforme that are associated with recently fired heathland and indicate that the Common has been burnt in the past.

The wet-loving Sphagna and other mire flora feature particularly in an area near to the main path where purple moor-grass (Molinia cerulaea) is less dense. Elsewhere, dense stands of purple moor-grass are threatening the diversity of the wetland flora.

Pearl-bordered Fritillary The small pearl-bordered fritillary is listed as a Species of Conservation Concern in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Cannock Chase is one of two sites in Staffordshire where it is still found. During a survey undertaken in 200113 The Northern Sherbrook Valley was found to contain the Mott Nick largest number of fritillaries, while lower counts were also found in the Oldacre Valley and occasionally in the central and southern areas of the Sherbrook. Compared with the survey undertaken during 2000 the numbers had declined. The butterfly was found during 2009 in two small populations14.

Fritillary Small Pearl-bordered

Recommendations Further work needs to be undertaken to select key indicator species and habitats. It is recommended that indicator species are selected for three key habitats – Heathlands, wetlands and woodlands.

10 Pers com. Sue Sheppard, Staffordshire County Council, 1020 11 Birds of Gentleshaw Common, Breeding and Wintering Survey 2006/2006, Steve Welch, March 2006 12 A Bryophyte survey of Gentleshaw Common SSSI, Lichfield, Staffordshire, A. Jukes, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, November 2005 13 A Survey of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary within the Cannock Chase AONB, S. Stanford and P. Candlin, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, 2001 14 Pers com. Sue Sheppard, Staffordshire County Council, 2010 12 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Geology and soils

Indicator The condition of the SSSI and the number and condition of RIGs

A broader indicator may emerge from work on the soil strategy for England which may help to provide a framework for geological condition in AONBs

Baseline data on condition of RIGS is not yet available

Overview There are five RIGS sites in the Cannock Chase area: Etching Hill (Bromsgrove Fm) SK 027 187, a topographical feature produced by a local variation in the hardness of the sandstone Brocton Gravel Pit West (Kidderminster Fm) SJ 974 191, a well-exposed example of Triassic pebble beds Cliff Caves (Bromsgrove Fm) SK 000 218, a fine exposure of Triassic building sandstone which also shows copper mineralisation in places Satnall Hills (Kidderminster Fm), SJ 983 208, a well-exposed example of the Cannock Chase Formation pebble beds Dark Slade Wood (Kidderminster Fm), SJ 973 163, Example of irregularly bedded sandstones and pebble beds with manganese deposits in cavities

Current situation Staffordshire Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Sites group is currently conducting site condition monitoring and developing site management plans for these sites (funded by Natural England through the West Midlands Geodiversity Partnership). These plans were not available at the time of writing.

Recommendations Further work needs to be undertaken to select indicators for geology and soils. Instigate a condition monitoring programme for RIGS.

13 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Historic landscapes and features

Indicator 1 Condition of Scheduled Monuments gauged by the existence of an agreed management plan that is being implemented 2 Percentage of listed buildings at risk 3 Condition of Historic Parks and Gardens, gauged by the existence of an agreed management plan that is being implemented

Baseline data has been established for scheduled monuments

Overview There are a number of important sites of historic importance in the AONB including Steve Welch listed buildings and structures designated by English Heritage as Scheduled Monuments (SMs).

Current situation Scheduled Monuments Trenches Practice WW1 There are nine SMs with the Cannock Chase AONB. During an assessment undertaken on seven of the sites by English Heritage between 2004 and 2006 none was considered to be at high risk and all are currently in stable condition (Table 2). This compares favourably with the state of SMs in the West Midlands region where 29% are at high risk.

Table 2 Scheduled Monuments

Site Condition trend Risk level Essex Bridge (SM No.00038), Great Stable; generally satisfactory but with Medium Haywood, Colwich, Stafford Borough minor localised problems. Well maintained by local authority Saucer barrow on Spring Hill (SM No.00863), Stable; generally satisfactory but with Medium Berkswich, Stafford Borough minor localised problems; localised limited stock erosion Moated site Church Farm (SM No.00871), Stable; generally satisfactory but with Low 160m. SW of St Michael and All Angels minor localised problems Church, Colwich, Stafford Borough Rugeley Camp practice trench (SM Stable; generally satisfactory but with Medium No.05523) WW1 instruction model of a trench minor localised problems. The system and associated earthwork and building monument has been cleared of scrub remains 850m. NW of Fairoak Cottages, in the last couple of years Brindley Heath, Cannock Chase District

14 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Site Condition trend Risk level Castle Ring (SM No.00025), a multivallate Stable; generally satisfactory but with Low hillfort and medieval lodge, Cannock Wood, minor localised problems. The Cannock Chase District condition of the monument is now much improved due to the removal of extensive swathes of second generation oak trees which had been colonising the ramparts. Moated site and Bloomery in Courtbanks Stable; generally satisfactory but with Medium Covert (SM No. SM00221 and No.00222), minor localised problems. The Cannock Wood, Cannock Chase District monument has been in decline due to scrub, bracken and unmanaged tree growth but may improve through a programme of tree thinning and management Other sites Great Haywood Canal Bridge (SM No.00164) Courtbanks Covert pond bay (SM No.01012)

Listed Buildings There are 70 listed buildings within the AONB of which: • 8 are Listed Grade I • 7 are Listed Grade II* • 55 are Listed Grade II There is currently no condition data available for listed buildings.

Conservation Areas There are five conservation areas recorded within the AONB • Colwich and Little Haywood (CA No.057) • Great Haywood and Shugborough (CA No.007) • Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (CA No.073) • Tixall (CA No.082) • Trent and Mersey Canal (CA No.083) There is currently no condition data available on conservation areas.

Registered parks and Gardens There are two registered parks and gardens recorded within the AONB • The German Military Cemetery, Cannock Chase (Grade I) • Shugborough (Grade I) There is currently no condition data available on registered parks and gardens.

Historic Assets - Designated and Undesignated There are 459 historic assets which lie partly or wholly within the Cannock Chase AONB of 319 are estimated to lie wholly within the AONB. This figure is based on historic asset polygons which have their centroid within the AONB.

Recommendations Consideration should be given to developing a new indicator, or indicators, to reflect the overall historic character of the whole Chase or well-defined parts of it. Condition data is required for listed buildings, conservation areas, registered parks and gardens and historic assets.

15 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Fringe agricultural landscapes

Indicator Condition of horses paddocks within the AONB

(2004 recommendation – Number of planning consents passed)

Baseline data has been established

Overview Agriculture is the principal land use on the periphery of the AONB and has an integral role to play in maintaining the character of the area. In 2004/05 the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group assessed the fringe agricultural AONB Cannock Chase landscapes as part of an AONB Asset project. A key element of the project was to target farmers and landowners to promote agri-environment grant schemes in order to promote AONB Management Plan objectives. Agriculture, ancient hedgerows, ‘horsiculture’ and small woodland coverage are key features within these peripheral areas. Farmed sandstone hills and heaths heaths hills and Farmed sandstone Current situation The AONB Agricultural Landscape Asset project15 provided on-farm advice to establish Entry Level Stewardship schemes worth approximately £129,000, with strong interest expressed by farmers to prepare 5 Higher Level Stewardship applications. The implementation of these agri-environment grants will provide substantial landscape and wildlife habitat enhancement whilst securing the preservation of historical features.

A hedgerow survey undertaken by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust during 200816 recorded 18.9km of hedgerows in the AONB of which 224.1 m (1.2%) were considered to be of Site of Biological Importance (SBI) standard and a further 2Km (10.58%) were considered to be potential for designation as a Biodiversity Alert Site (BAS). The total of 12% for hedgerows of either SBI or BAS quality is consistent with other surveys nationally. The sections of SBI or BAS standard should be targeted for Environmental Stewardship and monitored carefully to assess the maintenance of their condition.

The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group undertook a survey to assess the impacts of the horsiculture within the AONB17. A total of 20 sites were assessed representing 70ha, or nearly a quarter, of the 280ha estimated to be occupied by horse paddocks in the AONB. The condition of five of the six identified indicators was considered to be ‘good’ in at least 15

15 Cannock Chase AONB Agricultural Landscapes ~ An AONB Asset, Staffordshire FWAG, October 2005 16 Cannock Chase AONB Hedgerow Survey, Victoria Brooks and Anna Maxwell, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, September 2008 17 Horsiculture Monitoring within Cannock Chase AONB, Staffordshire FWAG, November 2008 16 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report of the 20 sites. The sixth indicator, fencing, was considered to be ‘fair’ at 13 sites and poor at 3 sites, mainly due to the visual impact of temporary fencing.

Recommendations Although it is recommended that the percentage of land managed under Higher Level Stewardship is measured for integration with national State of the AONB reporting this may not be a suitable data set for Cannock Chase due to the small amount of land within the AONB under direct agricultural management. The condition of horse pastures is a strong feature within the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan, and this has a noticeable impact on the AONB landscape.

Other local indicators of condition for agricultural landscapes that would be worth considering for condition monitoring include ancient hedgerows and small woodland coverage as these are features that contribute to permanent landscape character rather than the more subjective, (and temporary) features relating to the commercial development of farmland for horses and equestrianism.

Cannock Chase AONB AONB Cannock Chase

heaths hills and Farmed sandstone

17 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Development

Indicator Percentage of AONB as urban area

Baseline data has been established

Overview As an attractive landscape there is pressure, particularly around the AONB, for development. Whilst Green Belt and AONB policies give protection, the impacts of any development on the AONB landscape must be considered.

Current situation The definition of Urban Land is modelled on the developed areas classification produced by Defra. Land classified as Urban Land includes:

• permanent structures and the land on which they are situated • transportation corridors (roads, railways etc) with built up areas on both sides which are less than 50 m apart • mine buildings (excludes quarries and mineral workings) • transportation features such as car parks, service areas • any area completely surrounded by built-up sites

Urban land within Cannock Chase AONB as identified within the Statistical Digest for Cannock Chase18, is 138 ha or 2.01% of the area (Table 3).

Table 3 Urban land within Cannock Chase AONB

Urban land Area (ha) % of AONB Cannock 37.08 0.54 Urban land (unnamed) 35.95 0.52 Rugeley 34.9 0.5 Urban land (unnamed) 26.7 0.39 Little Haywood / Colwich 1.71 0.02 Stafford 1.35 0.02 Great Haywood 0.46 0.006 Total 138.15 2.01

Recommendations The amount of urban land should continue to be monitored on a 10 year basis using information collected through the Census Key Statistics for Urban and Rural Areas.

18 Statistical Digest for Cannock Chase, Centre for Rural Research ~ University College Worcester, 2003 18 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Theme 2 People

Traffic

Indicator Percentage traffic flows for A513 ~ Wolsley to Milford and A460 ~ Rugeley to Stafford and Birches Valley

Baseline data has been established

Overview The car is the principal way in which people arrive to enjoy Cannock Chase AONB. A lack of public transport means there are few choices for visitors particularly for getting around the AONB. The road network is also widely used by people commuting to forestry and quarrying operations. The speed of traffic has an impact on the enjoyment of the AONB creating safety issues for visitors and wildlife.

Current situation Staffordshire County Council has collected traffic flow through Cannock Chase AONB from the following locations:

12hr total Road Location Easting Northing Date flow UNC Birches Valley 400600 316324 28-Sep-06 2056 UNC Birches Valley 400600 316324 27-Sep-07 1974 D242 Upper Longdon 405397 314399 29-Mar-06 1039 D242 Upper Longdon 405397 314399 28-Mar-07 1220 A460 RUGELEY 403659 316712 17-Sep-08 10186 A513 Wolseley Bridge 401754 320306 15-Feb-07 7179 C27 Brocton 397184 319943 5-Dec-08 2333 C32 Slitting Mill 402889 317587 1-Aug-07 2958 C32 Penkridge Bank 398426 315318 14-Jul-08 3396 C32 Broadhurst Green 398259 315220 14-Jul-08 4439 C320 Pye Green 398622 314723 1-Jun-06 4271 C349 Colwich 400786 321291 15-Mar-07 2843 D3149 Gentleshaw 405051 312044 6-Jun-08 1434 D4397 Parkside Lane 396290 310981 27-Mar-07 4382

The numbers collected are for a 12 hour period from 7am until 7pm. Peak traffic flows are between 7,000 and 10,000 vehicles with average traffic flows up to 4,000 vehicles per day on other parts of the network.

Recommendations Staffordshire County Council highways data management team should be contacted every five years to establish changes in traffic flows within and around the AONB. Given the nature of the road network the information can easily be interpreted and trends identified, even if the location of data collection varies over time.

19 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Theme 3 Economy

Local Economy

Indicator Population of AONB and numbers of businesses within the AONB

Baseline data has been established

Overview Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan recognises that the economic needs of the local community have to be taken into account. Rural economies are seen as important due to their role in the maintenance of the countryside, their contribution to the national economy and their role in combating

rural disadvantage and social exclusion. The visitor AONB Chase Cannock economy is an important part of the local economy within the AONB and it is recognised that sustainable, quality tourism should be encouraged.

Current situation

In 2006 Staffordshire University undertook research19 Parkland Shugborough to collate secondary data on the Cannock Chase AONB local economy in order to generate a picture of its character, to develop a database of businesses and to gather views from a sample of those businesses within or on the fringe of the AONB. The data review included information from the 2001 census giving a population of 18,000 for Cannock chase AONB and the fringe. Census data on economic activity and employment sectors is questioned due to the flexibility of the labour market.

The database business profile showed that 22 businesses are ‘embedded’ within the AONB environment, with a substantial proportion of trade dependent on the area as a resource and source of demand. A further 21 have some demand linked to the AONB as a resource whilst 24 have a ‘basic’ relationship. Information from the sample business survey was limited with data such as the number of employees not being quantified.

Recommendations The information on the state of the local economy gives few quantifiable measures. To tie in with the availability of census data every 10 years it is recommended that further local economy research is undertaken in 2016 to establish long term trends. If activity is required in the short term focus should be on gaining information about the number of people employed by local businesses building on the links that were established in the database business profile. If the number of employees were determined, calculations could be made regarding the economic value of the AONB.

19 Cannock Chase AONB ~ Local Economy Research, Centre for Economic and Social Regeneration at Staffordshire University, March 2006 20 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Theme 4 Recreation

Peace and tranquillity

Indicator Change in most tranquil and least tranquil areas from baseline survey

Baseline data has been established

Overview ‘Peace and tranquillity’ is recognised as one of the ways of demonstrating that the AONB is managed in a way that conserves and enhances its key features and attributes. It is also a nationally recognised key indicator on the health of an AONB.

Peace and tranquillity are difficult attributes to define. They are determined by a number of factors including the physical properties of the area, the proximity of roads and buildings and the perceptions and attitudes of people who are using the landscape. Perceptions of Chase AONB Cannock tranquillity can sometimes be contradictory – one person’s peaceful haven of, say, woodland, can be another’s uncomfortable dark space to be avoided.

Woodland sunlight In 2009 Red Kite Environment and the Countryside Training Partnership were appointed to develop a new approach involving the use of GIS to map results and the involvement of local people to provide their own perceptions of tranquillity. A first survey was undertaken that would establish a baseline for the monitoring and evaluation of future management policies for when the survey is repeated at a suitable point in the future

Current situation The most tranquil area identified in the peace and tranquillity survey20 is square SJ9819, Brocton Coppice. It received almost double the number of scores of any other square. It scored for its sense of peace and solitude, its remoteness and its trees and wildlife. People found it tranquil at all times but especially on weekdays and in mornings and evenings.

Other ‘Most Tranquil’ squares of note are areas around Brocton Coppice including Haywood Warren, Sycamores Hill, Sherbrook Valley and Marquis Drive. The reasons for the sense of tranquillity within the AONB are quietness, solitude, no people and wildlife. Other notable areas include the lakes near Fairoak Lodge (for quietness, landscape and water), the area around Wolsley Park (for quietness, attractiveness and solitude), the war cemeteries at Broadhurst Green (for peacefulness and atmosphere) and the area around Beaudesert Old

20 Peace and Tranquility in Cannock Chase AONB, Red Kite Environment, February 2010 21 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Park and Horsepasture Covert (for quietness, solitude and views). All the areas in the AONB scored at least once showing that tranquillity can be found almost everywhere in the AONB.

The least tranquil squares are focused in three areas – the area between Milford and Brocton, the area around the Shooting Butts Centre west of Rugeley and the Visitor Centre at Brindley Heath. The reasons for their being least tranquil are noise and traffic, and above all, other people. Again, nearly all squares within the AONB had a score showing that a lack of tranquillity can be experienced almost anywhere in the AONB.

Recommendations The survey was the first of a series of tranquillity assessments for the AONB and is the baseline for all subsequent surveys. Regular monitoring will help inform the development of management policy and actions and also guide implementation. It is recommended that the surveys are undertaken every five years to coincide with the reviews of the AONB Management Plan.

Cannock Chase AONB AONB Cannock Chase Brockton village village Brockton

22 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Wilderness

Indicator Change in most tranquil and least tranquil areas from baseline survey

Baseline data has been established

Overview Wilderness and open country for quiet enjoyment are at the heart of the management plan. These qualities are found primarily in the core of the Chase and are closely related to other special qualities - the heathland, the woodlands and forest and the historic landscape. They are also closely related to the area of land owned by the Forestry Commission and Staffordshire County Council. Definition is difficult, though the absence of noise & traffic, the absence of development, especially in views, and the extent of public access to open country begin to convey what is meant by this special quality.

Current situation The only measure currently available is provided by the results from the peace and tranquility survey as discussed previously.

Recommendations Given that the definition of wilderness relates to the absence of noise & traffic, the absence of development, especially in views, and the extent of public access to open country it is recommended that the peace and tranquility methodology is used to assess this quality and as a result no specific measure for wilderness is required.

Nick Mott Mott Nick

Brook Sher Upper

23 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Views

Indicator Fixed point monitoring of changes in 51 key views with assessment of intrusive features and changes in character

Baseline data has been established

Overview The special landscape of the Chase is the reason for the AONB designation. To help monitor this Landscape Character Assessment is a key tool for identifying and describing variations with the AONB and one of the tools available is fixed point photography. The site chosen for fixed point photography should reflect Landscape Description Units (LDUs). LDUs are distinct, relatively small areas in which the historical, physical and biological features are similar in their appearance and can be regarded as the Welch Steve individual building blocks of the landscape.

Current situation 51 sites around Cannock Chase were chosen in 2003 for fixed point photography. Since 2008 these sites have been photographed every six months but no analysis of the outcomes has taken place. Historic parklands Triumphal Arch Arch Triumphal parklands Historic Recommendations Changes in the condition of landscapes are often only discernable over longer periods of time. A review of other AONB fixed point photography shows that some discernable changes are apparent over a three or five year period but such changes are often small scale in nature. Given that no analysis of the fixed point photography work has taken place to date and the resource needed to produce the photographs from 51 sites it is recommended that the fixed point photography is undertaken on a five year cycle to fit in with the review of the AONB management plan. Some thought may be given to rationalising the number of sites so that the areas covered reflect Landscape Description Units.

24 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Recreation

Indicator Percentage of Rights of Way that are easy to use

Baseline data is not yet available

Overview Recreation is one of the main activities and pressures on the AONB, with a focus on the heathland and woodlands. People's enjoyment of these areas and the high percentage of open access are central to its special qualities. The area offers opportunities for healthy activity. The main interaction with the AONB involves the sheer number of visitors who seek quiet enjoyment through walking and rambling.

Approximately 60% of the AONB is designated under the 2000 CRoW Act as open access land with recreational activity over the remainder of the AONB being on Public Rights of Way that are managed by Staffordshire County Council. AONB Chase Cannock The Best Value Performance Indicator No. 178 that assessing the percentage of the authorities' path network that is 'easy to use' was used until 2007/08. Although no longer required the Public Footpath County Council still undertakes a random survey of 5% of the recorded path network every two years in order to assess the ease of use of those paths. The surveys are undertaken by volunteers in May and November, using a methodology by Natural England and the result forms the basis of a Key Performance Indicator.

For the purposes of the survey, 'easy to use' means that the path is signposted or waymarked where it leaves a metalled road, free from significant unlawful obstructions or serious interference to the public's right of passage and any surface and lawful barriers are in good repair to a standard necessary to enable the public to use the path without undue inconvenience.

Current situation The information collected by Staffordshire County Council on the percentage of recorded public rights of way that are 'Easy to Use' showed an increase up until 2007/08 but the information collected cannot be disaggregated to AONB level (Table 4).

Table 4 Percentage of public rights of way that are ‘Easy to Use’

BVPI Performance Indicator 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Staffordshire ~ percentage of recorded 71.8% 75% 78% public rights of way that are 'Easy to Use' Cannock Chase ~ percentage of recorded Not available Not available Not available public rights of way that are 'Easy to Use' 25 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Recommendations Following discussions with the Rights of Way team in Staffordshire County Council it is recommended that the AONB team is involved in subsequent monitoring programmes where comparisons can be made with data collected for the rest of the County. To ensure co- ordination and consistency the Rights of Way team have offered to extend the training offered to ensure that an identified proportion of Cannock Chase is covered in future surveys.

Steve Welch Cyclists Cyclists

26 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Part 2 Future Condition Monitoring

AONB State of the Environment Reports An important component of this contract was to review other State of the Environment reports from AONBs in England and Wales. A scan of All AONB websites revealed only three other reports – for the Malvern Hills, Mendip Hills and Chilterns AONBs.

Malvern Hills – State of the Malvern Hills AONB 2009 The Malvern Hills AONB State of the Environment report was prepared in 2009 to provide an evidence base to inform the implementation of the AONB Management Plan, and against which future change can be monitored. The report is structured in a similar way to the 2004-2009 management plan with sections on Landscape, biodiversity, geology, historic and built environment, tranquillity and enjoyment. Each section has a measure of condition and data is presented, where it is available, to evaluate that condition. These comprise:

• Landscape – fixed point photography (a photograph taken for each of the 27 detailed Landscape Description Units in the AONB • Landscape – Agricultural change • Biodiversity – Condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) • Geology – Number and condition of Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) • Historic and Built Environment – Condition of Scheduled Ancient Monuments • Historic and Built Environment – Condition of Listed Buildings, Parks and Gardens • Tranquillity – Tranquillity Index • Enjoyment – Condition of Rights of Way

In each section there is an overview followed by a description of the current situation, which includes statistics and other data on characteristics and condition. For some of the sections, for example Geology, there is only data on distribution and location of RIGS, not their condition, and a note is provided on availability of data.

The Malvern Hills AONB document is well laid out, and is easy and clear to read. It’s standard approach of ‘Overview’ followed by ‘Current Situation’ for each section and the use of tables and illustrations to support the text helps quick referencing.

State of the AONB Report 2009 – 2014 – Mendip Hills AONB The first section of this report provides a brief summary of the key resources of the AONB followed by a review of current external drivers for change. Resources include 27 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report landownership, public access and nature conservation measures, and policies for protection of the built environment. The drivers for change include social, technological, environmental, economic and political. The review identifies national policies, changes in technology, current funding initiatives, tourism income levels, and planning policy.

The second section reviews current issues and resources that are essential elements of the enviro n ment of the AONB. These include: • Climate change (rainfall trends) • Landscape quality (extent of dark skies and condition of dry stone walls) • Biodiversity and geodiversity (extent of conservation designations) • Historic environment and cultural heritage (number of scheduled monuments) • Farming and land use (land managed by wildlife trusts and the county council) • Agri-environment schemes (extent of stewardship agreements) • Access and recreation (area designated open access) • Visitor use (visitor numbers) • Development and transport (location of planning applications for significant development) • Participation (number of tasks undertaken by the young rangers) • Making it happen (location and distribution of projects financed by the Sustainable Development Fund)

The review of drivers to change is very useful in considering the many external factors that influence the condition and management of an AONB. This information is sometimes included in an AONB Management Plan but it can be lengthy and can, of course, change significantly in a short time. In a separate SOE report it provides useful context for condition monitoring.

Although the review of current issues and resources has important baseline information for the AONB it provides little information on the current condition of those resources, instead concentrating on extent and location. This baseline information is an important starter for future monitoring, however, and can inform the selection of indicators.

State of the Chilterns Environment 2009 The Chilterns AONB SoE Report has five sections which relate closely with the main themes in the AONB Management Plan. These sections are:

• Landscape and biodiversity • Historic environment • Social and economic • Understanding and enjoyment • Development 28 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Under each section there is a list of indicators that aim to measure the condition of a range of attributes which for Landscape and biodiversity, for example, include:

• The number of agreements and area of land covered by the Environmental Stewardship Scheme • Area of woodland covered by English Woodland Grant Schemes • Area of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in good condition • Water vole populations and number of rivers and canals with water voles • Length of hedge in good condition using DEFRA condition criteria

For each indicator there is a summary of key data available, a description of its contexts (importance and relevance to overall AONB condition), and an interpretation of the data (its significance). A conclusions section provides a summary of condition and any recommendations for future monitoring. A map in each section shows distribution of sites for each indicator.

The Chilterns report has a consistency of style and approach that is easy to read and provides a concise view of condition for each of the indicators. Its structure is similar to that of the AONB management plan, although it uses broader groupings of themes. The individual indicators can easily be referenced to the main themes of the plan.

Discussion and recommendations

This State of the AONB report has been modelled on the first State of the AONB Report prepared for the Cannock Chase AONB in 2004, providing updated information and developing its themes to mirror more closely the structure of the current AONB Management Plan. The structure has retained the previous report’s main themes and used its proposed indicators where possible, but its overall approach has been influenced by other State of the AONB reports, notably those for the Malvern Hills and Chilterns. An approach was adopted that provided a sense of uniformity across sections and also continuity with the 2004 report.

The data gathered for this report was collected by a variety of surveys and research projects undertaken by many different organisations and individuals. While much of the data and supporting information is of a high standard the overall approach has been opportunistic, lacks coordination and sometimes has tenuous links to the themes and proposed indicators suggested in the 2004 report. There are also significant gaps in the data, leaving some themes with no information while others have large amounts on individual species. There is a need to establish a coordinated approach to data gathering, preferably through a five year programme during the implementation of the current management plan.

29 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

The indicators used here were proposed in the 2004 report, though many were proposed as a series of options. There were recommendations in the report for further work to be done on the indicators to refine them and to choose the most appropriate ones that could inform the preparation and implementation of the AONB Management Plan. Although we have attempted to refine the indicators in this report, this refining process still needs to be completed to provide robust indicators for future condition monitoring. We recommend that work on the indicators is completed as a priority.

The structure of this report, while retaining coherence with the previous report and linking with the themes of the current management plan, may change with refinement of the indicators and with any changes of the structure of the management plan during its next review. We would recommend that the themes are kept largely the same and that the structure of the information in each theme is modified using the following headings:

Indicator – a single indicator for each section of the theme Overview – a brief description of the theme/sub-theme and its indicator Current state – the location and distribution of evidence, and the condition as known Previous state – how the current state compares with what was there before, with the identified changes Interpretation – what does this mean and what is the significance of the changes that will impact on the management plan Management recommendations – what needs to be done to rectify changes Priorities for future monitoring – a review of further work needed to gather data or refine indicators

Frequency of data collection Based on the review of information available for this report and the proposed indicators it is recommended that a programme of monitoring is developed that collects information on the condition of the AONB over a five year rolling programme to tie in with the management plan review timetable. When developed this monitoring timetable will have to be spread out to ensure that there is not a spike in activity and resources.

The exceptions to this five year programme are information relating to development, local economy and recreation. Information relating to the percentage of the AONB as an urban area and population of the AONB is found from census data so should be collected every 10 years along with a wider piece of work on the state of the local economy. Thought should be given to collecting information on the percentage of rights of way on an annual basis as that information will feed into Staffordshire County Council best value performance indicators.

The monitoring programme for data collection for the proposed indicators is summarised in Table 5.

30 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Table 5 Monitoring programme

Cannock Chase AONB theme Data set menu or proposed indicator Recommended frequency Landscape Features ~ Heathland % area of Sites of Special Scientific Five yearly Interest (SSSI) in favourable condition Landscape Features ~ Forest and The balance between conifers and native Five yearly woodlands species and the restoration of ancient and semi-natural woodland Landscape Features ~ Valley The condition of the valley wetlands, as Five yearly wetlands part of the SSSI, together with the presence of key indicator species e.g. sundew Biodiversity ~ Flora and Fauna The condition of selected key indicator Five yearly species and habitats Soil Quality ~ Geology and soils The condition of the SSSI and the number Five yearly and condition of RIGs Historic Landscapes ~ Historic % of listed buildings at risk. Condition of Five yearly landscapes and features Historic Parks and Gardens, and scheduled ancient monuments. Landscape Use and Condition of horse paddocks Five yearly Development ~ Fringe agricultural % of AONB as urban area landscapes Ten yearly Traffic ~ Traffic % traffic flows for: A513 ~ Wolsley to Five yearly Milford, A460 ~ Rugeley to Stafford and Birches Valley Community ~Local economy Population of AONB Ten yearly Numbers of businesses within the AONB Ten yearly Tranquillity ~ Peace and Change in Most tranquil and Least tranquil Five yearly tranquillity areas from baseline Landscape Character ~ Views Fixed point monitoring of changes in 51 Five yearly key views with assessment of intrusive features and changes in character Enjoyment ~ Recreation % of Rights of Way that are easy to use Annually

31 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Links to AONB Management Plan Having established the relevant data sets an exercise has been undertaken linking the proposed indicators back to the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan 2009-14. The table below identifies the proposed indicators with the relevant links to the current management plan.

Cannock Chase AONB theme Data set menu or proposed indicator Management Plan Link Landscape Features ~ Heathland % area of Sites of Special Scientific LM2 Interest (SSSI) in favourable condition Landscape Features ~ Forest and The balance between conifers and native Not specifically woodlands species and the restoration of ancient and identified semi-natural woodland Landscape Features ~ Valley The condition of the valley wetlands, as LM2 wetlands part of the SSSI, together with the Indicator species presence of key indicator species e.g. not specifically sundew identified Biodiversity ~ Flora and Fauna The condition of selected key indicator Not specifically species and habitats identified Soil Quality ~ Geology and soils The condition of the SSSI and the number LM 13 and condition of RIGs Historic Landscapes ~ Historic % of listed buildings at risk. Condition of LM12 landscapes and features Historic Parks and Gardens, and LM10 scheduled ancient monuments. LM9 Landscape Use and Condition of horses paddocks, ancient Not identified Development ~ Fringe agricultural hedgerows and woodland landscapes % of AONB as urban area Not identified Traffic ~ Traffic % traffic flows for: A513 ~ Wolsley to PM 6 Milford, A460 ~ Rugeley to Stafford and possibly A34 Community ~Local economy Population of AONB Not identified Numbers of businesses within the AONB EM3 Tranquility ~ Peace and Change in Most tranquil and Least tranquil LM21 tranquillity areas from baseline Landscape Character ~ Views Fixed point monitoring of changes in 51 LM1 key views with assessment of intrusive features and changes in character Enjoyment ~ Recreation % of Rights of Way that are easy to use RM6

It is recommended that those proposed indicators not specifically identified within the current management plan are included within the relevant monitoring section at the next management plan review. The number of monitoring actions should also be reduced from the current 55 to nearer 25. Appendix 2 summarises the monitoring identified in the current management plan, with the proposed condition monitoring indicators highlighted in green. Indicators should be prioritised as ‘quick wins’ or ‘easy to collect’ for future monitoring to maximise effectiveness within available resources.

32 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Appendix 1 – Relationship to national guidance

Split of Cannock Chase AONB special qualities in relation to national guidance on state of the AONB reporting

Natural Beauty Cannock Chase AONB theme Data set menu or proposed Resource indicator Countryside and Landscape Features ~ Heathland % area of Sites of Special Land cover Scientific Interest (SSSI) in favourable condition Landscape Features ~ Forest and The balance between conifers woodlands and native species and the restoration of ancient and semi- natural woodland Landscape Features ~ Valley The condition of the valley wetlands wetlands, as part of the SSSI, together with the presence of key indicator species e.g. sundew Landscape Character ~ Views Fixed point monitoring of changes in 51 key views with assessment of intrusive features and changes in character Landscape Use and Development Condition of ancient hedgerows, ~ Fringe agricultural landscapes woodland and horses paddocks. % of AONB as urban area Tranquility ~ Peace and tranquillity Change in Most tranquil and Least tranquil areas from baseline Cultural and Historic Landscapes ~ Historic % of listed buildings at risk. Vernacular landscapes and features Condition of Historic Parks and Gardens, and scheduled ancient monuments. Ecology and Biodiversity ~ Flora and Fauna The condition of selected key Environment indicator species and habitats Soil Quality ~ Geology and soils The condition of the SSSI and the number and condition of RIGs Socio Economic Community ~Local economy Population of AONB and quality of life Numbers of businesses within the AONB Enjoyment ~ Recreation % of Rights of Way that are easy to use Traffic ~ Traffic % traffic flows for: A513 ~ Wolsley to Milford, A460 ~ Rugeley to Stafford and possibly A34

33 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Appendix 2 – Linking indicators to the Management Plan

Linking and highlighting the proposed indicators back to the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan 2009-14.

Ref: Mechanism Who AONB fixed point photography LM1 Extent, condition and change in characteristic landscape features via fixed point photography group LM2 SSSI condition Natural England LM3 Delivery of BAP habitat targets Natural England, SBAP LM4 Percentage of land under agri-environment schemes Natural England LM5 Targets achieved under HLS contract Natural England, Staffordshire CC LM6 Area of woodland/heathland cover Forestry Commission LM7 Area of woodland in positive management Forestry Commission LM8 Number of private woodlands working to woodland management plan/accessing EWGS Forestry Commission English Heritage, Local authorities, LM9 Number and condition of SAMs Natural England English Heritage, Local authorities, LM10 Number and condition of historic parks and gardens Natural England English Heritage, Local authorities, LM11 Number of listed buildings Natural England English Heritage, Local authorities, LM12 Number of buildings on 'at risk' register Natural England LM13 Number and condition of RIGS SGAP, Natural England LM14 Extent of farmland under organic cultivation SGAP, Natural England LM15 Quality of water Environment Agency LM16 Maintenance of aquatic species Environment Agency LM17 Number of planning applications in AONB in accordance with development plan policy Local authorities LM18 Number and type of departures from development plan policy Local authorities Local authorities LM19 Percentage of AONB in quarrying Local authorities LM20 Percentage of AONB under restoration from quarrying Local authorities LM21 Percentage of identified tranquil areas maintained AONB Partnership AONB Partnership 34 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Ref: Mechanism Who PM1 Number of articles/informative pieces published/broadcast. Website “hits” AONB Partnership Visitor Centre PM2 Action plan targets achieved Group PM3 Number of community groups new to the Partnership engaged AONB Partnership PM4 Number of people involved in events AONB Partnership PM5 Number of people involved in projects AONB Partnership PM6 Numbers of vehicles using the AONB road network Highways Authority PM7 Number of passengers on public transport Highways Authority Staffordshire CC, Forestry PM8 Number of formal/informal car parks in AONB Commission Staffordshire CC, Forestry PM9 Numbers of vehicles using formal/informal car parks Commission EM1 Amount of money into AONB projects AONB Partnership EM2 Working systems in place Local authorities EM3 Number of businesses with AONB link Local authorities EM4 Number of certified schemes supported Forestry Commission EM5 Number of people in visitor-related employment Local authorities RM1 Number of co-ordinated AONB publications/events AONB Partnership RM2 Number of people on guided walks, events, school visits and activities AONB Partnership RM3 Number of visitors to visitor centres AONB Partnership RM4 Agreed strategy published AONB Partnership Local authorities Destination RM5 Number of tourism projects implemented Management Partnership RM6 Percentage of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) that are 'easy to use' Staffordshire County Council RM7 Percentage of PRoW that are signposted Staffordshire County Council RM8 Reduction in user complaints Landowners RM9 Number of user groups involved in implementing AONB policies AONB Partnership RM10 Number of signs conforming to AONB “corporate” specification AONB Partnership SM1 Formal Partnership maintained AONB Partnership SM2 Number of contacts made/meetings held AONB Partnership SM3 Minutes of meetings AONB AONB Partnership SM4 Reports made AONB Partners 35 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Ref: Mechanism Who SM5 AONB policies included in policies, plans and strategies AONB Partnership SM6 Attendance at meetings, conferences, events AONB Partnership AONB Partnership SM7 Buddy exchanges “External” AONB Partners NAAONB SM8 Submission of review report Natural England SM9 Landscape character monitoring Local authorities SM10 Amount of money gained for AONB projects AONB Partnership

36 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010 Cannock Chase State of the AONB Report

Appendix 3 – Data sources

Cannock Chase AONB Landscape Monitoring, The effects of bracken spraying on the invertebrate fauna of Cannock Chase AONB, Andy Jukes and Sarah Henshall, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, March 2006 Statistical Digest for Cannock Chase AONB, Centre for Rural Research, University College Worcester, 2003 The Parkland and Wood Pasture within the Cannock Chase AONB, S Stafford and JR Webb, 2001 Cannock Chase AONB Landscape Monitoring, Conifer felling and its effects on invertebrate diversity, Andy Jukes and Sarah Henshall, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, March 2006 AONB Streams Project Year 2: Shropshire Brook and Fallow Stream, Andy Jukes and Nick Mott, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, March 2008 Otter and Watervole Survey, Cannock Chaswe AONB 2003, Nick Mott, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, 2003 The Breeding Birds of Cannock Chase in 2007, JS Bennett, West Midlands Bird Club, 2007 The Breeding Birds of Cannock Chase in 2002, JS Bennett, S Welch and RJ Jennett, West Midlands Bird Club, 2002 Birds of Gentleshaw Common, Breeding and Wintering Survey 2006/2006, Steve Welch, March 2006 A Bryophyte survey of Gentleshaw Common SSSI, Lichfield, Staffordshire, A. Jukes, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, November 2005 A Survey of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary within the Cannock Chase AONB, S. Stanford and P. Candlin, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, 2001 Cannock Chase AONB Agricultural Landscapes ~ An AONB Asset, Staffordshire FWAG, October 2005 Cannock Chase AONB Hedgerow Survey, Victoria Brooks and Anna Maxwell, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, September 2008 Horsiculture Monitoring within Cannock Chase AONB, Staffordshire FWAG, November 2008 Cannock Chase AONB ~ Local Economy Research, Centre for Economic and Social Regeneration at Staffordshire University, March 2006 Peace and Tranquility in Cannock Chase AONB, Red Kite Environment, February 2010 Pers com. Sue Sheppard, Staffordshire County Council, 2010

Back cover image: June Jukes

37 Red Kite Environment Countryside Training Partnership March 2010

Prepared for the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership by Red Kite Environment & The Countryside Training Partnership