The SAC Partnership is a partnership between organisations who have legal responsibilities in relation to the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Our role is to ensure that the ecological integrity of the SAC is maintained and all legal obligations in relation to the SAC are met. Read the SAC Partnership’s Memorandum of Understanding.
The whole of Cannock Chase is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is home to a range of sensitive species; making it an internationally important site for wildlife.
Almost 20% of the Cannock Chase AONB is legally designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its heathland – this is the highest legal environmental protection in the country. The Special Areas of Conservation include: Sherbrook Valley, Brindley Heath, Moors Gorse and areas surrounding the Whitehouse and Penkridge Bank – see map.
Funding for the SAC Partnership is solely collected from new housing development from within 15km of Cannock Chase. This revenue enables the SAC Partnership to off-set the impacts of increasing visitor numbers – providing a better visitor experience that offers protection to the habitats and wildlife.
The goal of the SAC Partnership is to find the right balance of safeguarding ecology, whilst always retaining people right to use and enjoy the Chase.