Brecks Options Study

The study is being undertaken on behalf of Suffolk and Norfolk County Council’s, who have been working jointly for many years in partnership with many other stakeholders and local interests in the Brecks to further the understanding, protection and sustainable management of this unique and special landscape, and to enable local communities and visitors to engage with and enjoy its heritage, wildlife and distinctive beauty.

The current Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Partnership, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, involves more than 50 partners in delivering over 30 projects, across 4 programmes including: Restoring species and Habitats, Discovering Heritage, Developing Heritage Skills, and Connecting with Communities, and continues delivery until the end of 2024. How we collectively ensure there is a long-term legacy from BFER is something partners and stakeholders are already looking at and this study will build upon that work as well as drawing upon experience and examples from elsewhere.

The purpose of the study is to:

• Explore with partners and stakeholders, options for recognising the existing and potential value of the Brecks with reference to environmental, social and economic benefits.
• Identify the most suitable strategic, coordinated and sustainable management and delivery framework for the area.

The work will include consideration of options for:

• Recognition of the area through designation.
• Enabling collaboration between stakeholders in pursuit of agreed purposes, objectives and actions.
• Facilitating and resourcing coordinated delivery.
• Engaging and empowering local people, communities and business in championing the area.

The study will be undertaken through a collaborative approach with as many stakeholders and interests in the Brecks as possible. There will be a number of workshops to enable this to happen through a shared conversation between all the different interests and there will be a concluding event where the outcomes and recommendations will be fed back and next steps will be discussed. This is expected to be held in November 2023.

A small steering group will provide support to the consultants in undertaking the study and arranging and facilitating the wider engagement.