Countryside investment

Staffordshire’s Countryside Investment: Shaping the Future of Our Green Spaces 

Staffordshire County Council is investing £18 million to enhance some of the county’s most cherished countryside areas, to make sure they remain accessible, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable for future generations. 

In December 2022, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet approved a new plan to improve Staffordshire’s Countryside Estate.  The goal is to create natural green spaces that are accessible and welcoming for everyone, promoting health and wellbeing.

Through careful management of our country parks, the investment will help to support nature recovery, and celebrate our heritage, while balancing conservation and recreation needs, as well as combating climate change.

Our aim is to make the most of our environmental assets, build pride in Staffordshire, and improve it as a great place to live.

Countryside investment Projects:

Cannock Chase (Marquis Drive)

We are investing £10 million to upgrade the visitor facilities at Cannock Chase Country Park, Marquis Drive.

This project aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and showcase Cannock Chase’s importance as a National Landscape.

The facilities will also increase understanding of the internationally rare habitats and wildlife within Cannock Chase in the ‘Special Area of Conservation’ that need protecting. 

Chasewater

We are investing £7 million to redevelop the Chasewater Innovation Centre and surrounding area to make Chasewater a top regional visitor destination.

The updated visitor facilities will focus on promoting healthy activities in a natural setting.

Our goal is to make the park a popular, high-quality destination where everyone can relax and stay active, while at the same time protecting and preserving the natural environment.

Staffordshire Way

We are investing £1 million to relaunch and restore the historic 92-mile Staffordshire Way, from Mow Cop to Kinver.

This project will make the trail more accessible and enjoyable, encouraging physical activity and nature exploration.

Improving this route will boost local tourism, support businesses, and provide a beautiful trail for everyone to enjoy.

Get Involved

We want to hear what you think!

Please take part in our surveys and activities to shape these projects. Public feedback is key to shaping these improvements. 

The Cannock Chase online engagement survey is coming shortly.

Your views will directly inform the development of detailed plans, which will be shared next year.

Stay up to date

You can stay up to date with all of the countryside investment news and progress by signing up to the email news bulletin.