to Forestry Commission home page
to England home page

Cannock Forest


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.4/5)

About Cannock Forest

Welcome to Cannock Forest in Staffordshire! Cannock Forest sits on Cannock Chase, the smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on mainland Britain.

Cannock Chase is best known for its open heathland and pine forest and its mining and military history which stretches back several hundred years and still effects how the land is managed today. The Forestry Commission started planting woodland on the Chase in the 1920s when World War 1 had resulted in a shortage of home grown timber. The Forestry Commission has come along way from the early days of intensive timber production and now manage the forest by balancing the needs of wildlife, recreation and the local timber markets.

Cannock Chase is a popular destination for people seeking fresh air, peace and exercise with Fairoak Valley amongst the most popular areas for walking and cycling. Please come and enjoy the forest whilst showing consideration for other users.

Please also remember that this is still a working forest and pay careful attention to operations signs that you see.

Cannock Chase is home to large populations of nocturnal animals, therefore we ask that you enjoy the forest and its surroundings throughout the year, but please be aware that the wildlife need to recuperate without disturbance.

How to get there:

Rugeley is the nearest town or village.

Cannock Chase is located between Stafford, Cannock and Rugeley. Cannock Forest is disected by several roads including the A460 and A513.

OS Grid Reference: SK 0117
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Start your visit from:

Forest Classrooms and Education Centre
Rifle Range Corner - Cadet Buildings
Beaudesert Car Park
Swinnerton Cycle Centre
Birches Valley Forest Centre
Tackeroo Caravan Site

What's on in Cannock Forest

April

May

View all events
Birches Valley, Cannock Chase

Facilities:

ParkingToiletsParking ChargeInformationEasy AccessVisitor CentreRefreshmentsForest ShopOther Facilities

Activities:

WalkingCyclingEducationalCampingOrienteeringBarbecueHorse RidingHeritageFishingWildlife ActivitiesArtsPicnicPlay AreaArboretum

Contact:

Gary Kelsey
Recreation Ranger
01889 586593
e-mail: gary.kelsey@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: Anonymous
8/Feb/2010
Make the area a dog control area (dogs on leads at all times) before there is a serious accident. There have been too mant attacks on other dogs, horses, cyclists and humans recently. There are too many dogs there clearly out of control which spoils the place for considerate users. If a horse was attacked and then bolted the consequences are unthinkable.Most horse riders and cyclist are very respectful and considerate. Dog walkers like to think they own the place. Wildlife will be extinctif dogs are not controlled. I know alot of people are fed up with them and would be willing to "police" a dog control scheme.
Name: anthony dobson (5 Stars)
15/Jan/2010
peacefull beautifull wildlife and all the pictures you can take scenery exelent
what else can you expect get away from the noise and hastle
Name: Anonymous
11/Nov/2009
hello i am a regular horse rider across cannock chase and have heard that we know need passes on the chase i was wondering if someone could tell me how true this is Thanks
More user comments

Been here, done this? What did you think?

Tell us what you think of this wood.

Email addresses will not be shown
 

What's of interest

Section 6 and 7 are closed. We are carrying out urgent repair works to the trail, to insure long-term sustainability of trail. This section needs time to heal and will be closed until saturday 20th March. Please observe and obey all signs, a diversion is in place.

Related pages

Useful sites