Parking around the Marquis Drive Visitors centre has become very very busy since the opening of the Forestry Commission Trails ( Follow the Dog and Monkey Trail) on Cannock Chase. Marquis Drive is actually a Staffordshire County Council site and, as parking there is free, local riders often use that car park rather than paying down at Birches Valley Forestry Centre.
The Parking situation became intolerable for the visitors center this summer with several near accidents and conflict between the various users of the centre, particular as there is a cafe and big adventure playground on site which attracts many families.
The County Council have therefore created a one way system through the center but have also designated a series of car parks at ‘nine gates’ approx 1/2 a kilometer down the road specifically for bikers. It is hoped that local riders will use this car park instead of Marquis Drive and relieve some of the congestion there.
The Council has added bike racks and the car park is close to the bike wash facility at the visitors center.
