The key characteristics of Breckland are:

85. Breckland

The key characteristics of Breckland are:

• Unique combination of underlying rocks, soils and semi-continental climate, with slightly undulating dry terrain contrasting with shallow, wooded river valleys.

• Distinctive large-scale landscape of pale-coloured arable fields or open heath contrasting with vertical elements of pine lines, belts or forest.

• Vast commercial conifer plantations which form a forest landscape, unique in lowland England.

• Strong geometry of large regular fields clearly defined by pine rows or neat thorn hedges, sometimes indicative of the continuity of large estates, and long straight undulating roads.

• Long history of settlement but now very sparsely populated, with nucleated villages in river valleys and post-war London overspill development (Thetford, Brandon and Mildenhall). Farm buildings and churches have considerable impact. Churches are often isolated from the villages and in a state of disrepair. Building materials are knapped flint, clunch and yellow brick.

• Strong colour contrasts but very little textural change, except within the heathland.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.