Cannock Chase, or 'the Chase' as it's known locally, is famed for its diverse wildlife. It may be the smallest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK but packed within its boundaries is so much flora and fauna that most of it is now also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), too. A herd of some 800 fallow deer are known to roam the woods, while a special feeding centre at the Marquis Drive Visitors' Centre attracts rare birds, from bullfinches to yellowhammers. If you want a wild break, the Chase should be high on your list.
Secluded away in the south eastern corner of the region, the established Cannock Chase Campsite certainly offers a prime spot to base yourself. Surrounded by trees, the site offers a grassy open space in which to camp but still with a rather remote, woodland feel. The recent addition of their new Ready Camp safari tents, meanwhile, also means you can camp here without the faff of bringing your own equipment. Inside the abodes (sleeping up to six with a maximum of four adults) are divided into two bedrooms with proper beds and an open plan living area with a well-equipped kitchenette. A deck to the front, meanwhile, offers a place to kick back on outdoor furniture and listen to the evening birdlife as small fledglings flitter along the tree-line.
As well as the varied wildlife, the real appeal of the place is the trails and footpaths that wiggle their way among the trees and across the meadows. Anyone who fancies walking further than the local pub (a mile and a half away) should stick a pair of sturdy shoes in their bag to really capitalise on the area, or bring a mountain bike along to challenge yourself on the well known local routes. The famous Follow the Dog trail and the newly opened Monkey Trail, start from the nearby Birches Valley Forest Centre and are always highlights for mountain biking campers, while walkers should keep their eyes peeled for the migrating nightjar as they follow the campsite's local footpath. It's one of the rarest and best camouflaged birds in the area. Rare, that is, unless you include some of Cannock Chase's most outlandish sightings. Werewolves, Bigfoot and even UFO's have all been reported in the area since the 19th century. One too many glasses of wine in the campsite? We'll let you be the judge of that.