Cannock Chase is a large area of protected countryside in Staffordshire, in the West Midlands of England. It sits close to towns such as Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford and is easily accessible from major roads like the M6. It is officially designated as a National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), which means it is recognised and protected for its natural and scenic value.

The landscape is a mix of heathland, woodland and open valleys, making it quite distinctive for the Midlands. Large areas of rare lowland heath support important wildlife, including deer, birds such as nightjars and woodlarks, and a variety of reptiles and insects. Because of this, parts of Cannock Chase are legally protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.

Cannock Chase also has a long and varied history. There is evidence of human activity going back thousands of years, including Iron Age sites like Castle Ring hillfort. In later periods it was used as a royal hunting forest, then shaped by mining and industry. During the First and Second World Wars it was home to large military training camps, and today it includes a German Military Cemetery where thousands of servicemen are buried.

Today, Cannock Chase is a popular destination for outdoor activities. People visit for walking, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding, as well as for quieter pursuits like wildlife watching. There are several visitor centres and well-marked trails, making it suitable for families as well as more serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, Cannock Chase combines natural beauty, ecological importance and deep historical interest, offering a substantial area of countryside right on the edge of major urban areas.