More than £190,000 has been awarded to help reduce the impact of electricity pylons over Gentleshaw Common.

Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership was given the money by the National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative.

The funding is designed to help carry out works to restore the area away from the pylons to promote wildlife in other areas of the common.

The project will be delivered by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Spokesman Ian Marshall said:

“We are delighted to receive this grant and the support of National Grid.

“Building on the fantastic work of our partners Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, this project will help to restore the natural heather and wet heath of Cannock Chase.”

Site of Special Scientific Interest

The 86-hectare common is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the mix of heathland habitats.

Hayley Dorrington, southern heathlands warden for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said:

“We’re really excited to have been awarded this grant. Staffordshire’s heathlands are a massively important part of our ecosystem, but are often overlooked. 

“This money will help us make Gentleshaw Common a stunning place to visit, as well as helping the heathland plants, birds and insects living there.”

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Bruce Edgerton
4 years ago

My childhood play ground spent many happy hours on gentleshaw common as a child loved the place

Burntwood Bloke
4 years ago

Those things swing quite low over there. When I cycled up Commonside a few years ago in the rain you could actually feel the electrical current in the handlebars.

Actually.. question.. is there any electric passing over these pylons now that Rugeley Power Station is closed?