Landscape Recovery in the Brecks!

Exciting times are ahead for the network with the amazing news that the application for a DEFRA funded Landscape Recovery pilot was successful. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the application which was based on long term species recovery in the Brecks. This was a collaborative process involving the farmer members, Sam Hurst (Norfolk Rivers Trust), Dr Rob Hawkes, Dr James Gilroy (University of East Anglia), Professor Paul Dolman (University of East Anglia), and Nick Dickson (The Brecks, Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership). Continued use of the Breckland Biodiversity Audit data will be essential to the project which aims to create a mosaic of different habitats throughout the highly productive farmed landscape. River restoration along the Black Bourn, Lark, Little Ouse, Thet and Wissey rivers will form a key part along with integration of the project into the community and long term cultivated margins. The network is busy working on an agreement for a two year development phase which will lead into longer term implementation. Watch this space for more news on this tremendous opportunity for both farming and wildlife.