Introduction

The Brecks is a unique and special area where the wildlife has been shaped by the soils, climate and human land use. Rabbit warrening in the medieval period led to vast open heathland with few or no trees and shrubs. Along with recent planting, this landscape has attracted very special wildlife such as woodlark, nightjars and stone curlews. Many species of plants can be found in the Brecks which cannot be seen anywhere else in Britain.

The heaths are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and nesting grounds for stone curlews, nightjars and woodlark. Stone curlews are especially rare with just 400 breeding pairs in the UK. Because these birds nest on the ground they are very sensitive to disturbance. To help ensure their survival, please keep dogs on short leads at all times on the Brecks Trail, and please follow the countryside code.

The Brecks Trail is a linear route between Brandon Country Park and West Stow Country Park (and can be followed from either end), and caters for walkers and cyclists, with some sections also available for horse riding. It passes through forests, open healthland and agricultural land, and there are many points of interest along the route including Thetford Forest, the Elveden monument, and the King George V monument.