Safeguard for beauty spot

A Staffordshire beauty spot has been officially declared a local nature reserve in a move to safeguard its future. Shoal Hill Common, on the outskirts of Cannock, will get extra protection and may have the way to future funding eased.

Howard Medlicott, South Staffordshire Council landscape manager, said national recognition from Natural England would mean they could continue enhancing the habitat. There were several insects found at the site, completely burnt out 25 years ago, rarely found anywhere else.

He said the first thing that came back after the fire was the trees. "Nobody really knew the value of the heathland at the time and it wasn't until about 17 years ago they realised its an area of lowland heath like that on Cannock Chase."

He added: "Shoal Hill did used to be part of Cannock Chase but has since been fragmented by Huntington.

"It is financially supported by South Staffordshire Council and Cannock Chase Council and is in receipt of another grant from Defra. We also receive help from other agencies."

Mr Medlicott said that the land in Hatherton had been in a lowland heath restoration programme for almost 17 years.

Such land is deemed worthy of protection nationally and across Europe as it means it is an important habitat and attracts rare wildlife.

The status has been granted under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Shoal Hill Common is also used for education and several groups have visited the site to learn more about it.

South Staffordshire Council is now looking into the possibility of installing an information board at its highest point where there is a 180-degree view.

It would point out areas which can be seen from the site on a clear day.