Embracing Autumn in the Brecks
Our quick guide for enjoying autumn to the fullest in the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks. More
Artist, Jac Campbell has been working with schools around the Brecks to celebrate the 100th anniversary of W.G. Clarke’s book In Breckland Wilds and Project Officer Tracy joined her at Forest Academy Primary School in June.
First Jac introduced the children to the remarkable world captured in In Breckland Wilds, a book first published in 1925 that remains a treasured glimpse into the natural history and landscape of the Breckland region. With infectious enthusiasm, Jac helped the children connect Clarke’s vivid descriptions to the plants, animals, and habitats that still shape their local environment today.
Inspired, the children took to their sketchbooks, producing an array of imaginative drawings—from lapwings, hares and pine forests, to the curious insects that make the Brecks so unique. But this was just the beginning.
Next came the mono-printing session: each student inked up an acrylic plate, laid their drawing over it, and pressed it by hand to create beautifully textured prints. The classroom buzzed with creativity—and a healthy amount of inky mess—as the children explored how line and pressure could transform their illustrations. The result was a striking variety of prints, each one a personal interpretation of the Breckland world.
The final stage saw the pupils collaboratively assembling their prints into a collage, designed to be part of a commemorative book that will be displayed at a special event on 5th July: In Breckland Wilds Day. Forest Academy is one of three schools involved in this art project, each contributing to a collective celebration of Clarke’s centenary legacy.
Throughout the day, the children were curious, engaged, and brimming with ideas—asking thoughtful questions and embracing the hands-on techniques with enthusiasm. Despite the joyful chaos of ink and paper, their behaviour was exemplary and their interest in both nature and art shone through.
It was a messy, magical day of learning and creativity, reminding everyone just how powerful stories can be and, especially when they are rooted in our local landscape. W.G. Clarke would surely have approved.
