WATCH: Ecologist speaks in support of controversial Cannock Chase proposals
An ecologist and broadcaster has spoken in support of controversial proposals for the future of Cannock Chase.
One Show presenter Mike Dilger has released a video supporting the £7.8 million masterplan to close car parks, introduce parking charges and manage Cannock Chase over the coming years.
Officials say the move is designed to protect wildlife and habitats across the Chase, but critics say charges will put people off visiting the beauty spot.
See the video here:
Group Save Cannock Chase was formed in June by residents who noticed Chase Road had been closed off during lockdown and has since been protesting against the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation Partnership’s plans.
Now Mike Dilger, who grew up close to Cannock Chase, talks of his early experiences of the range of wildlife to be found in the ecologically sensitive parts of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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He said: “I’m a Staffordian born and bred. As a child, I spent thousands of hours at Cannock Chase. It’s the first place I saw a nightjar, an adder, a common lizard. The habitat there, the heathland especially is internationally important.
"It’s the best site for wildlife within the county of Staffordshire.”
He speaks of his dismay to hear that diversity is decreasing, habitats fragmenting and species are disappearing from Cannock Chase and goes on to urge the people of Staffordshire to get behind the proposals.
He added: “Therefore I plead with you, I implore you, please support these proposals. It’s not about stopping you going wherever you want on Cannock Chase.
"It’s about restricting primarily car access to the most vulnerable, the most sensitive areas, that have the most important wildlife.
"Because if we don’t act, it will simply disappear.”
The proposals are currently being considered by Staffordshire County Council.
