The Brecks is an extremely important area for wildlife and covers over 350 square miles. Many species, which are not seen elsewhere in England can be found here.
Many of the plants and insects are found here due to the many centuries of sheep grazing and rabbit farming which created an area, now one of the most important heathland regions in the country. Sadly, with increased farming and forestry, less than 8,000 hectares of this grass and heathland remains today, but it is heartening to know that hundreds of acres are protected at a national or international level.
Birds seen in The Brecks include stone curlew, nightjar, woodlark, goshawk, common crossbill, green woodpecker, golden oriole, grey partridge, hobby, willow warbler, little owl, barn owl, jay and many more. Some of our birds visit from the Mediterranean and Russia.
The RSPB are working on a conservation project in the area, devoted to the stone curlew and their work is having a great effect on the bird’s population here, doubling it between 1991 and 2006.
Wetlands in Breckland are also very important for wildlife conservation. There are several large areas of water, or Meres as they are known here. We also have some very unusual glacial ponds, which are called “Pingos”. Some good examples of these Pingos are to be found on Thompson Common, just outside Watton.
Twenty-five species of invertebrates found in The Brecks are in danger of extinction in the UK. But, thanks to the many SSSIs and other protected sites, we will keep these and other categories of flora and fauna thriving for centuries to come.
