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, and was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2010.

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

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

SWT will be using innovative management techniques including grazing with native rare breed cattle wearing GPS collars. The collars allow grazing to be targeted at key areas of the SSSI without the need for internal fences. 

During its lifetime, the mine produced 3.26 million tonnes of power station coal. Restoration to turn the land into a wildlife haven started in 2001. In 2020, SWT signed a short-term lease, enabling fencing of the site so that native breeds of cattle could begin grazing the heathland areas.

“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’s 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.”

Zara Gower from the Church Commissioners for England Farmland Team said:

“We are proud to partner with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at Bleak House to ensure this Site of Special Scientific Interest benefits from continued habitat restoration efforts over the long term. Already home to several healthy wildlife populations thanks to the SWT’s work over the last five years, we look forward to supporting the site’s ongoing management.”

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."