Brandon:
The little market town of Brandon is known as the Gateway to the
Brecks. As such, it has a distinctive character with many flint and
brick buildings, a pretty river and all the outdoor fun of Thetford
Forest and Brandon Country Park on its doorstep.
Wildlife/Countryside:
Brandon lies at the heart of the Brecks. The Brecks is a land of
lowland heaths, mysterious earthworks and gnarled twisted pines.
The area stretches from north-west Suffolk to south-west Norfolk
and covers about 370 square miles. The landscape is truly unique in
Britain and is home to many rare birds, flowers, insects and
mammals.
Beneath the vast sandy soils are chalk and flint. Pre-historic
settlers used the flints to clear the light forests and create
large open heathlands. Sheep and rabbits kept the shrubland low and
winds frequently swept the sands across the open
landscape.
History:
Brandon can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon times and the town is
steeped in history centred around the fur trade and flintknapping
industry. Flint has been mined from early Neolithic times when it
was used for arrowheads and other implements. Brandon was the last
home of the gun flint industry in Britain which brought substantial
wealth to the town until the invention of the percussion cap in the
19th century. During the Napoleonic Wars, a good knapper could
produce 15,000 gun flints a week!
The fur trade was the other main industry of the town as the
area was known for its warrens and rabbit farms.
In the 19th century, farmers planted lines of Scots pine trees
knitted together as wind breaks to protect their fields. Then in
the early 20th century, the Forestry Commission planted Thetford
Forest - Britain's largest lowland pine forest - and the landscape
was dramatically altered again.
Brandon Heritage
Centre:
Located in the centre of the town, Brandon Heritage Centre
collections offer unique views of the town's colourful history,
from Neolithic times to the present day. Hands on exhibits help to
tell the story of the flint, fur and forest industries which have
been the life blood of the area.
Brandon Country
Park:
A stunning 32 acre park, with miles of walking and cycling trails
and picnic sites. There is a visitor centre packed with useful
information, as well as a gift shop, interpretation boards and a
tearoom, as well as the Brandon Tourist Information Point. Walks
from the Country Park can lead you into the surrounding
Thetford Forest where there is plenty more
entertainment for the whole family.
Out & About:
There is a selection of
shops, pubs and restaurants in Brandon, and the picturesque Little
Ouse River running through the town is a great place to relax. Hire
a boat, go fishing,or take a leisurely riverside stroll, then stop
somewhere for tea, an ice cream, or a picnic.There are also miles
of public footpaths and bridleways for ramblers and riders to
enjoy, including the Lark Valley Walk which links Mildenhall and
Bury St Edmunds.
