Riding centre's future threatened over Cannock Chase cattle graze plan
A riding centre used by 28,000 people a year may be forced to close if plans to fence off part of Cannock Chase to graze cattle are given the go ahead.
Bosses at the Cannock Chase Trekking Centre say the presence of cows on their trekking routes would scare their horses and cause insurance costs to soar.
The cattle would be used to trample bracken threatening to take over precious heathland which is home to rare butterfly breeds, say Staffordshire County Council.
It wants to introduce no more than six cows initially – but with plans in the pipeline to significantly widen the scope of the project. A public consultation has been launched.
The wider plans are understood to extend north from the German Cemetery, taking in Sherbrook Valley.
An online petition against the move, which has now attracted more than 6,300 signatures, opposes the use of gated fencing to enclose the cattle which they say would restrict access.
The trekking centre and riding school, near Penkridge, was set up in 24 years ago by former model Lisa Gregory and in 2016 opened a £500,000 extension including a bistro and general viewing area over Staffordshire's best-known beauty spot.
Her partner Mark Wallis, who runs the bistro, said: "There is a real fear that we would be forced to stop trading if this goes ahead.
"Given the impact it will have, it seems an extreme and narrow-minded view. Around 28,000 people a year come riding here from around the country, bringing a lot of business to the area.
"We have very real concerns about our insurance costs because of the dangers posed by cows."
Lucy Powell, a riding instructor at the centre, said: "Cows are curious animals and they can run at you. Many of our customers are learners but even I, an experienced rider, wouldn't feel comfortable riding through a field of cows."
The county council said introducing cattle was the most natural way to control the bracken and invisible fencing would be used in the wider plan, if approved. Any plans to extend the scheme would go out to consultation again and ultimately be decided by the Secretary of State for the Environment.
Paul Woodhead, leader of the Green Party in Cannock Chase, called on a compromise to be found.
"People are mainly concerned about plans beyond the pilot area in terms of restricted access. But rather than complaining, those opposed to the project need to be more proactive and find solutions.
"Loss of heathland puts greater pressure on biodiversity, threatening whole species. Cattle-grazing is already established on parts of Cannock Chase by the Forestry Commission and the district council.There are also cattle on Hednesford Hills and Chasewater but not generally on horse-riding routes."
