Churnet Valley Grassland
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Supported by Aggregate Industries
and The Rothschild Foundation
and The Rothschild Foundation
Churnet Valley Grassland
The Churnet Valley Living Landscape covers an area of 20,000 hectares in north Staffordshire. The spine of the area is the Churnet Valley, with the River Churnet and its tributaries and steep slopes covered with ancient woodland. Between the wooded slopes and to the north of the valley there are many important flower-rich grasslands and patches of heathland. The work we are carrying out will get woodland and flower-rich grassland into good management and will buffer and improve headwaters of rivers. The work will also soften the edges of woodlands and increasing boundary habitats such as hedges and walls, improving the landscape and providing habitats and shelter for birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.
The Wildlife Trusts
Intrinsic Value
The Churnet Valley and its surrounds is one of the most biodiverse areas of England. We will ensure that it is protected and recognised for future generation. We will lead on creating new flower-rich grasslands and other habitats to ensure that species can thrive. We will also work with others to improve water quality and habitats along streams, rivers and canal.
The Wildlife Trusts
Emotional Value
The Churnet Valley Living Landscape aims to connect people with nature through activities that support health and well-being by demonstrating the importance of the natural world. It is a recognised area of natural beauty that is saved, promoted, better understood and better enjoyed.
The Wildlife Trusts
Financial Value
A destination for day breaks, short breaks and holidays, where visitors are attracted because of the quality of the environment. Visitors support the local economy and jobs. Woodland management breaks even or brings a profit to owners. Meat and hay from flower-rich grasslands attract a premium price, supporting farmers.
The Wildlife Trusts
Societal Value
The societal value that the Churnet Valley Living Landscape delivers includes: flood management, meat/food production, tourism and recreational activities. Through effective management, the landscape is protected for future generations to enjoy and farmers are financially rewarded for flower-rich grassland.
The Wildlife Trusts
Get Involved
Opportunities with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust: Mid-week and weekend volunteering in a range of practical conservation and countryside access projects with a dedicated Practical Projects Officer. Short courses in Dry Stone Walling, Hedgelaying, Plant ID, Food Foraging etc. A Level 2 Countryside Management accredited training opportunity for young people, including graduates. Survey and Monitoring volunteers undertaking a wide range of projects from photo-recording of technical outcomes, through woodland bird surveys to river fly monitoring.
Opportunities within the partnership: Of the 30 partners in the Churnet Valley Living Landscape partnership, at least 10 have volunteering opportunities within the valley beyond the current programme of work. These include: visitor centre support; nature reserve volunteers, practical and education/visitor engagement; canal volunteers; steam heritage enthusiast volunteers; charitable museum volunteers.