Citylife in Lichfield January 2020

Gentleshaw
Common in
the Future
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB) Partnership has been awarded a grant of £192,291
over six years by National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement
Initiative to be delivered at Gentleshaw Common. The grant
is provided to help reduce the visual impact of existing
electricity pylons and overhead lines in protected
landscapes. Although the pylons will remain in place, the aim
is to carry out works to restore the Common and create a
place that is buzzing with heathland wildlife. The project will
be delivered by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at their
Gentleshaw Common Nature Reserve.
Gentleshaw Common is an 86-hectare Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for the special mix of
heathland plants living there. By controlling bracken, scrub
and purple moor grass this will allow the characteristic flora
and fauna of lowland heath, a nationally important habitat, to
thrive. Areas of wet heath will also be restored to benefit
more delicate plants such as the beautiful yellow spikes of
Bog Asphodel and the carnivorous Sundew. There will also
be improvements to encourage sensitive access by
restoring footpaths, constructing boardwalks, and improving
the small car park to enable visitors the opportunity to
experience and enjoy nature up close.
To find out more about the National Grid’s Landscape
Enhancement Initiative, visit www.lei.nationalgrid.com.
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