LUC is involved in two projects within the large-scale Midlands Heathland Heartlands (MHH) Nature Recovery Network facilitated by Natural England. The network is working on creating connectivity and enriching nature between Cannock Chase and Sutton Park.

At the southern end of the MHH Network, LUC has recently completed an appraisal of Sutton Park on behalf of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council (RSCTC). The Council asked us to report on the Park’s condition, management and maintenance operations, and the associated costs.

At 971 ha, Sutton Park is one of the largest urban public parks in Europe, highly valued by its surrounding communities. It also supports rare and sensitive habitats including unimproved acid grasslands, heathland, woodland and wetlands. Through the Appraisal, LUC identified issues and opportunities, and recommended a course of action for management improvements to create a sustainable future for this special park.

At the northern end of the MHH Network, National Trust appointed LUC to produce a feasibility study, including a Woodland Management Plan, for the creation and enhancement of 110 ha of wood pasture and woodland on the Shugborough Estate. Our study will facilitate the creation and restoration of a vital connecting piece of habitat to create a larger 220 ha contiguous block of priority habitat between Cannock Chase SAC, Brocton Coppice SSSI and the Shugborough Estate.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to restore a rare habitat and a characteristic, historic Midlands landscape for people to enjoy. This will create a more resilient landscape, enhancing the opportunity for species to adapt to climate change.

Learn more about Landscape Planning & Assessment and Landscape Management.