The Fens
The Fens are a lowland landscape around the Wash estuary in the East of England. The land is naturally marshland but was reclaimed in the 17th Century to provide fertile grade 1 agricultural land. Prior to the draining of the Fens, the landscape was very dangerous and only locals were able to travel confidently around the region. This gave the Fen people a reputation of being fierce and rumours of them being equipped with webbed feet!
The Broads
The Broads is one of Britain's national parks, consisting of 120 miles of navigable waterways. Most of the Broads is in Norfolk although some parts are in the county of Suffolk. The waterways of the Broads were once thought to be naturally formed but in the 1960's it was proved that the landscape was created by human activity during the period of Roman occupation and later during the mediaeval period, when peat was dug to provide fuel. When the sea-level rose, the pits formed from peat digging flooded with water. Nowadays the key features of the Broads are its rivers, reed beds, grazing marshes, and wet woodlands. The Broads is a popular tourist destination, particularly for visitors hoping to hire boats. It is also popular with ramblers and naturalists as the area is known for its many rare species of plants and animals.
For tourist information about the Broads visit www.norfolkbroads.com or www.broads-authority.gov.uk
For tourist information about the Broads visit www.norfolkbroads.com or www.broads-authority.gov.uk
Breckland
Breckland or 'The Brecks' is found in South Norfolk and North Suffolk. The landscape is largely gorse covered sandy heathland. One of the key features of the landscape is the windblown Scots Pine which lean in the direction of the prevailing winds. During the Neolithic period flint was mined at Grimes Graves (7 miles NW of Thetford off the A134) and from the Middle Ages onwards flint has been used for building. Later Brandon became important for its flint knapping industry and, in particular, its contribution in providing flints for flint lock guns. Nowadays much of the Brecks is used for farming and contains the vast expanse of Thetford Forest. Breckland towns include Thetford, Brandon, Swaffham, Mildenhall and Watton. The area is popular with locals and tourists alike, who enjoy a variety of activities.
Information about what to see and do in the area can be found at www.brecks.org
Information about what to see and do in the area can be found at www.brecks.org