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46 Breckland
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Breckland is a gently undulating plateau underlain by bedrock of Cretaceous Chalk, covered by thin deposits of sand and flint. The conditions during the last glaciation have given rise to the patterned ground features and ice depressions (pingos) that we see today and that are of high geological and biological importance.
The open Breckland landscape is internationally important for its remaining heathland and acid/calcareous mosaics of grass-heath which support populations of invertebrates and ground-nesting birds such as the stone curlew.
Breckland's flora and fauna is significant for many declining species reliant of open ground on grass heaths, arable margins and disturbed ground. Relatively lush valleys with chalk rivers provide a gentle contrast to the drier harsher surroundings. Here, floristically rich spring-fed wetlands support scarce insects.
The unique landform features such as pingos and meres are also important for insects. The expanse of Thetford Forest still supports red squirrels in some pine plantations while bats, birds and plants such as Breckland thyme occur in forest clearings.
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Natural Area profile available - Size 475.2 kb
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