"We are loving the Chase to death."- Cannock Chase AONB
Cannock Chase is already struggling, with roughly 2.5 million annual visitors, estimated to rise to 3 million by 2026 the need to act is imperative. As with many of nature’s most beautiful and magnificent creations, the Chase is a fragile and complex environment. The UK Government recently announced in their self-assessment that they had failed on 14 out of 20 targets agreed upon at the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagayo Japan in 2010, RSPB analysis suggests the reality is far worse, due to significant failures in funding, too little land being managed for nature and declining wildlife populations.
The 2019 State of Nature Report declared that 41% of UK species studied are in decline, with only 14.5% of UK land being natural, but the RSPB suggest this figure is closer to only 5% and that the UK government have failed on 17 out of 20 conservation targets in what they label a "Lost decade for nature".
"It could not be more clear that what we’re seeing is overall decline.” Kate Jennings, RSPB.
Never before has it been more urgent, we all must take action to protect and preserve the precious few natural habitats that we have left, and further still, seek to increase the amount of natural space that is dedicated to the UK's wonderful array flora and fauna.
Due to its unique and delicate landscape, the whole 26 square miles of Cannock Chase is registered as an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) the smallest AONB on mainland England, with areas designated as SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and SAC (Special Area of Conservation), each of these has been reported as in a state of degradation and in great need of care and attention, to ensure it survives the pressure the heavy number of visitors who seek to enjoy it's beauty put on the area. Pressure which has increased further since the Coronavirus pandemic, forcefully reminded us all just how important our green spaces are.
With more-and-more of us heading out to enjoy the few precious escapes from the chaos of 2020, it is absolutely crucial we balance our needs for recreational pleasure with the protection of our natural spaces, with the increasing use we risk losing a valuable landscape if a careful plan of action is not followed. In order to protect the Chase in the coming years from the potential damage that may be caused by the estimated 500,000 visitor increase, including that from future residents of 30,000 planned new homes in the surrounding area, plan of action was declared by Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation, a £7.8million investment over a 15-year period, funded by a levy on new housing developments.
Unfortunately, the planned proposals have been widely criticised and falsely communicated on social media platforms. The following statements, which have been viewed on numerous posts, are problematic to the audience’s perception and knowledge of the protection cause.
"£7.8 million Detailed Car Park Implementation Plan."
In truth, only 20% of the 7.8 million budget will be spent on the car park plan, with the rest going towards maintenance, improving trails and signs, and educational conservation programs for visitors, schools and interest groups.
Every step of this plan prioritises the conservation and protection of Cannock Chase's rare and wondrous environment and wildlife, whilst simultaneously being careful to ensure that the wants and the needs, including the mental health advantages it brings, are met. Our relationship with the Chase and our acknowledged values of the unique natural space, are not to be neglected.
"Mass closures and expanded parking at the expense of clear space."
There are currently 123 parking locations around the Chase, most surround the SAC area, this most fragile site is the main focus of the protection proposal. Only 51 of these parking locations will be closed, 33 of them being pull-ins which accommodate 4 cars or less. 50 free parking locations with 500 spaces will be unaltered by the proposals. 100 extra spaces will be provided at the Marquis Drive Visitors Centre, where there is plenty of flat and usable land on the old Army Camp site, there will be an increase in parking spaces overall. The aim is to redirect the damaging concentrations of foot-traffic away from the more fragile areas, leading visitors towards the Chase's more robust, but still equally beautiful spaces.
"A plan to punish the elderly, disabled and vulnerable with expensive parking plans."
As detailed above, there will still be 50 free parking sites available throughout Cannock Chase, blue badge holders will still be able to park for free. At the sites where the fee is set to continue or to be implemented, costs will be £1 for 1 hour, £3 for all day or £36 for an annual pass - which equates to 10p per day. These ring-fenced funds will enable the maintenance of the car parks, with any surplus being used to further uphold and protect the Cannock Chase area in the future.
We at North Staffs Green Party strongly support and celebrate the SAC plan to protect and preserve Cannock Chase's rare and beautiful natural areas, as well as it's vulnerable wildlife and precious flora, whilst also maintaining a responsible and an intelligent approach to ensuring the ever increasing 2.5 million visitors can still enjoy the same pleasures, recreational time and the health benefits that they receive from their experience, enjoying our treasurable Cannock Chase.