(Average user rating
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About Birches Valley Forest Centre
Forest Updates Toilets will be closed on Wednesday 3rd February and the café with be operating at limited capacity. This is carry out essential drainage works to insure the café doesn’t flood. The area will be cordoned off, please obey all signs.
We are working hard to upgrade the centre. This will mean that we will be re-waymarking some of there trails, so please don’t rely on our waymarkers to return you to the centre.
We hope this doesn’t affect you forest experience, thank you. Monday 1st February 2010
Birches Valley Forest Centre is an excellent starting point for an exhilarating day out on Cannock Chase. Refreshments, toilets, Cycle hire, Go Ape, play area and the Route to Health Sculpture trail are within easy reach of the car park.
Miles of Cycling and walking trails stretch out from the forest centre including the now famous "Follow the Dog" mountain bike trail, why not hire a bike from Swinnertons Cycle Centre and give it a try. Or if you have a head for heights take to the tree tops on Go Ape high wire course.
But If you feel like taking a relaxing scenic walk Fairoak valley and it's magnificent fishing pools are only a short walk away, which links easily to the Chase Heritage Trail.
When you have worked up an appetite, why not enjoy the wonderful fresh food ,coffee and friendly atmosphere at the Birches valley cafe.
Whether it's fun and adventure or peace and relaxation Birches Valley is the perfect site for you.
Car parks open dawn till dusk: £1.50 1st hour £3.00 all day
How to get there:
Birches Valley Forest Centre is in Cannock Forest. Rugeley is the nearest town or village.
From Rugeley head towards Penkridge along Hagley Road. The road changes into Penkridge Bank road as it enters Cannock Chase AONB. The Forest Centre is signposted on your left.
From Stafford head towards Cannock on the A34. Follow the signs for Pye Green or Rugeley. Once on Cannock Chase continue to head for Rugeley until signs for the centre on your right.
OS Grid Reference: SK 018 170
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info
Other places to go in Cannock Forest
What's on in Cannock Forest
April
- 4x4 Wildlife Safari Saturday 3 April 2010
Saturday 2 October 2010
Facilities:
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Pay and Display Parking £1.50 up to an hour, £3.00 for all day.All funds from carparking contribute towards the upkeep and management of recreation and conservation on Forestry Commision land in the region. Picnic spots throughout the forest, toilets, forest café, cycle hire and a brand new 'Go Ape' high ropes course, there is something here for everyone. |
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Birches Valley Cafe offers a selection of delicious hot and cold food and drink.:Open 9.30am - 5.30pm (Mon-Fri) and 9.00am - 5.30pm (Sat-Sun) Subject to weather conditions. |
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A programme of public events is run all year round by Forestry Commission staff look out for our "Events"leaflet for details. |
Activities
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There are three way marked walking trails from Birches Valley Forest Centre as well as two children's trails, the Deer Dash and the Hedge Hog hike. Deer Dash Trail Fairoak Fishing Pools Tackeroo Orienteering Course Fairoak Walk Route to Health Sculpture Trail Adventure Play Area Chase Heritage Trail |
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Cannock Chase Forest is arguably the premier location for mountain biking in the West Midlands. There are a range of routes on offer to suit both sports and leisure cyclists. Bike hire is available at Birches Valley Forest Centre. |
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Cannock Chase is crossed with numerous bridle paths. For those Wishing to enjoy Cannock Forest on Horse back you are welcome to ride any bridleway but you require permission to ride on Forestry Commission land. For a permit contact TROT on 01622 739966. |
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Official "Educational centre of excellence". Extensive education services on offer for all ages including adults. Many curriculum linked activities. Teachers pack available. |
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Season fishing permits available for the use of four magnificent pools. Course fishing including 50 double figure fish in one pool alone! Excellent all round fishing for very competitive prices. Access with vehicle subject to conditions. |
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Tackeroo Caravan is closed until further notice due to problems with the waste disposal services. |
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Cannock Chase is a haven for a wide variety of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles. The heathland and pine forests provide a mosaic of habitats to three types of deer, nightjars, wood larks, cross bills, adders and the unique Chase Berry (a hybrid between the billberry and the cowberry) |
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There are two permanent orienteering courses in Cannock Chase Forest, Pepperslade and Tackeroo. Maps are available from the Forest Shop. Groups wishing to use either course should contact the Forest Office on 01889 586593 |
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The Route to Health is a community arts sculpture trail. Open all year round, a 1 mile route on level tracks. |
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There are numerous picnic sites through out the Forest. The most popular are at the Fairoak pools and in Lady Hill coppice. Both of these are a walkable distance from Birches Valley Forest Centre. |
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Birches Valley Visitor Centre has a fenced adventure playground suitable for children 4-13 years old. |
Contact:
Gary KelseyRecreation Ranger
01889 586593
e-mail: gary.kelsey@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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