Bleak House is located between Heath Hayes and Chase Terrace and is owned by The Church Commissioners for England. 

It previously produced 3.26 million tonnes of power station coal during its operational lifetime. Once coal mining ceased, restoration to turn the land into a wildlife haven started in 2001. The site was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2010, giving it national importance. In 2020 SWT began a short-term lease, enabling fencing of the site so that native breeds of cattle could begin grazing the heathland areas. 

In a landmark gesture of environmental stewardship and partnership SWT has been granted a 30-year lease on the 276 acre site and aims to further restore the heathland. Bleak House is important for its lowland wet and dry heath habitats, supporting over 140 different wildlife species. 

The site is especially important for birds such as grasshopper warbler. These tiny birds sound like an incredibly loud grasshopper and migrate from Africa in the springtime to nest. Across the UK they have seen dramatic declines, but thanks to our work at Bleak House, the site’s populations of the bird are increasing. 

Other species that are doing well are dragonflies such as the black darter, which rely on the heathland pools with slightly acidic water. Great crested newts are also thriving in the mix of pools, taller grasses and heathers. 

Charlotte Forrest-King, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves Officer, said:  

“Bleak House is such a special place for all sorts of really rare plants, insects and birds.  

“Thanks to the Church Commissioners, we have an exciting opportunity to continue our work restoring this heathland. This gives us a chance to make it even better for nature, improving the SSSI condition.  

“This lease ensures that Bleak House will continue to provide a protected and vibrant natural space for wildlife, marking a new chapter in the site’s history. We look forward to continuing to protect and enhance the site for wildlife.” 

Emma Johnson, West Midlands Deputy Director at Natural England, said: 

 "We're delighted that Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has secured a 30-year lease for Bleak House on the Chasewater and the Southern Staffordshire Coalfield Heaths SSSI. This agreement with the Church Commissioners shows a real commitment to the long-term management and restoration of this very special heathland site. 

 "The Trust has an excellent track record of restoring habitats, and we look forward to continuing our work with them, returning the site to a place thriving with nature, and brimming with over 140 different species of wildlife."