Cut to the ChaseThis new arts project aims to establish the reality of life on Cannock Chase and uses video, creative writing, animation and graphics to record opinions about the Chase’s future management from people who live and work in and around the area.

During November, in conjunction with Staffordshire Arts & Museums Service, Altiplano Productions and the Rural Media Company, a series of filmed interviews, creative writing and animation workshops were held. Workers from Pottal Pool Quarry, Rugeley Power Station and the Forestry Commission were interviewed for their views. Creative writer Dave Reeves encouraged people visiting Cannock and Stafford libraries to use poetry and prose to express their opinions. Animation workshop leaders Jesper Nors and Matt Parker worked with pupils from Walton High School and Cannock School’s Support Unit to create sequences based on young people’s visions of what Cannock Chase could

Those of you who saw our first newsletter will be aware of the Home Wood Bound and Beyond arts project aimed at stimulating involvement and debate about Cannock Chase AONB by producing sculptures inspired by the Chase.

In December, all those involved in the project had the chance to see their completed sculptures (designed around issues such as fire awareness, grazing and human impact) in a natural setting at Birches Valley Forest Centre. A trail of the sculptures, which included a majestic stag, a grazing cow, hedgehogs, foxes and many others, was set up as part of an event celebrating the whole of Home Wood Bound and Beyond. People had the opportunity to talk to the artists, see a video and slides taken during the project and finally visit the Forestry Commission’s Christmas marquees before the event came to a close.

Home Wood Bound Exhibition

It’s hoped that the sculptures will go on more permanent exhibition within the AONB next spring, in the meantime, we’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone involved in the project.

Punch BowlPunch Bowl

Blossom the Cow byCannock Wood Flower Club and Gentleshaw WI

Designed by Sheila Adams

Blossom the Cow byCannock Wood Flower Club and Gentleshaw WI

Designed by Sheila Adams

Blossom the Cow byCannock Wood Flower Club and Gentleshaw WI

Designed by Sheila Adams

Punch Bowl

become in the future if it’s not sensitively managed.

The completed video will be available in visitor centres and at events in summer 2003 and used as part of the public consultation over the Draft Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan currently being produced.

Picture courtesy of Trent Valley Photographic Society

Rugeley Power StationRugeley Power StationRugeley Power Station

EventsArena

Nine Gates

Hazelslade Castle Ring

GentleshawCommon

Shoal Hill Common

Gentleshaw

Wood

Guide/Scout Camp

Beaudesert

Wandon

GrandLodge

PYEGREEN

HEDNESFORD

STAFFORD

RUGELEY

CANNOCK

BritishTelecomTower

Toc HTrail

Kit Bag Hill

Marquis

Stile C

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Rugel

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Drive

MoorsGorse

Rawnsley Hills

Golf Course

Rawnsley

Cannock Wood R

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Museum ofCannock

ChaseWaymarked Routesto visitor centresfrom HednesfordRailway Station

Railway toWalsall

Railway toStafford

Brindley Heath

Bradbury Rd

Gre

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BirchesValleyForestCentre

Sta

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BrookRd

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Brereton Spurs

Bower Lane

Silvertrees

Shootin

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Rd.

Birches V

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PenkridgeBankRifle

RangeCorner

Whitehouse

Katyn Memorial

Ansons Bank

Bednall Belt

Chase

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SpringsladeLodge

Aspen

Penkridge

A34

Pye

Gre

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Cock

sparr

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PottalPool

PeaceVista

MilitaryCemetries

Chase Rd.Corner

Womere

Quarry

Glacial Boulder

Dry Pits

TrigPoint

Coppice Hill

BroctonCoppice

SatnallHills

Coldmans Slade

Essex Bridge

LittleHaywood

GreatHaywood

A51 toStone

MilfordCommon

A513A513

HaywoodWarren

Abr

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South

Stre

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Seven SpringsPunch Bowl

HartsHill

WeetmansBridge

Trent & Mersey Canal

Staffs & Worcs Canal

River Trent

A51

A46

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Etching Hill

Slitting Mill

Brocton

Milford

Tixall

SteppingStones

HorseHills

Sherb

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WolseleyBridge

Oat Hill

Shugborough Hall,Park Farm &CountyMuseumand AONB Unit

NatureReserve

Sycamores Hill

Oldacre Valley

Penkridge B

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Country Park

Information

Other public land

A.O.N.B. Car Park

Vehicle Tracks

Cafe

Viewpoint

Picnic Place

Public House

Bicycle Tracks

Staffordshire Way

Way for the Millennium

Heart of England Way

Forest of Mercia Way

Self guided trails

Main Walks

Shops

Emergency Phone

Cannock Forest

Toilet

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Tackeroo

FairoakPools

Cannock

Cannock ChaseVisitor Centre

Cannock Chase AONB