Invisible electric fencing could go up on Cannock Chase

Bosses from the council want more cows grazing on the Chase to stop it becoming overgrown and the fencing is needed to stop them wandering off.

Three options have been drawn up by Staffordshire County Council but all include running a fence from around Milford Common in Stafford to near Broadhurst Green in Hednesford and back up again around the edge of Sherbrook valley.

There would be normal fencing from Milford down to Hednesford, but invisible electric fencing is proposed for the eastern side of the perimeter.

Some have raised concerns about the move preventing access to parts of the Chase. But bosses say the invisible fencing would be underground and would not affect day to day users of the site.

Cattle would have tags around their neck connected to the electric fencing, which would cause a shock if they passed a certain point. And going over the fences without a tag would have no effect.

Gates would also be put in place along various points along the fencing to allow people the same access as they get now. And they pointed out Dexter cattle already graze nearby Hednesford Hills and people have continued to walk and use the site.

However residents in Brocton, Stafford, have raised concerns over the plans. One of them, 53-year-old Mark Jeavons, who uses the chase daily either cycling or walking his dog, said: “It will be a significant change for the Chase.

“The unique thing about the chase is that you can enter and exit as you please but wherever else you go in the country there is gates to close and open.

“Also these plans are heavily reliant on the county council getting a third party to provide the cattle and then look after them once they are in place. This could easily become a white elephant.”

But Paul Woodhead, a Green Party councillor in Hednesford, has backed the plans.

He said: “It is not like the Chase is becoming non-accessible or anything like that. It is important that we have positive efforts to conserve the chase even if it will create a minor inconvenience for some.

“If the chase is overtaken by bracken then for future generations it will not be the area we know and love today.”

Staffordshire County Council say the Chase will become overgrown, affecting views, routes, wildlife and heritage if it is left as it is, which is why it has suggested getting cattle on there.

Mark Winnington, the council’s cabinet member for Jobs and Growth, said: “One of the proposals, and it is a proposal based on the first round of public engagement, is to keep the current habitats in good condition by reintroducing grazing with a small herd of cattle.

“This is something already done locally at Chasewater and Hednesford Hills, and on National Park land at the New Forest and the Peak Park.

“If grazing was introduced, the only fencing would be around a perimeter for safety reasons and all public rights of way on to, and through, the Chase would still be accessible."

Gill Heath, the county council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “The Chase is a very special place for people, wildlife and heritage. For centuries it was shaped by local people grazing livestock and this shaped the landscape we see today.

“Bringing grazing back could be a sustainable way to keep habitats in good condition, but we need to make sure that people can still enjoy the area and that other features of interest are also protected."

“We need people to help us shape the proposals so we get the best option.”

Cannock Chase heathlands were grazed for centuries up until 1914. This kept scrub at bay and allowed heather to flourish. Grazing of lowland heathland is thought to be a more sustainable form of conservation management and helps to create a varied habitat for wildlife.

It helps to create areas of bare ground, important for invertebrates and helps to control scrub. If it goes ahead the site will be grazed with hardy breeds of cattle which are ideal for grazing heathland.

Consultation on the plans for livestock and fencing is open until July 21. Those wanting to give their views are asked to visit www.managingcannockchase.co.uk/