Explore the Walks

of the Park, then north through Thetford Forest. Thetford through north then Park, the of

•

Icknield Way Icknield – a long distance path which passes along the eastern edge edge eastern the along passes which path distance long a –

Brandon.

•

St Edmunds Way Way Edmunds St to Manningtree from runs which route distance long a –

Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall. and Edmunds St Bury

•

Lark Valley Path Valley Lark – a 13mile (20km) walk following the river valley between between valley river the following walk (20km) 13mile a –

Park via Thetford Forest. Thetford via Park

•

Brecks Trail Brecks – a walking/cycling/horse-riding route to Brandon Country Country Brandon to route walking/cycling/horse-riding a –

Other trails which pass through and from the Park: the from and through pass which trails Other INTO THE WILD: UNEARTHING THE PAST:

the Beowulf and Grendel story. Pop in the Visitor Centre for an activity pack today. pack activity an for Centre Visitor the in Pop story. Grendel and Beowulf the The Country Park lies on the edge of Breckland, a unique This area has been visited by humans since prehistoric times. Homo-

“Embark on a journey through Anglo-Saxon folklore”… with this interactive trail of of trail interactive this with folklore”… Anglo-Saxon through journey a on “Embark region characterised by its semi-continental climate and poor heidelbergensis, another species of human, regularly stopped here BEOWULF & GRENDEL TRAIL: GRENDEL & BEOWULF soils. The landscape was once covered in woodland until Neolithic to make flint tools and use fire as hunter-gatherers some 400,000

settlers arrived and cleared the trees using flint axes. They then years ago. Tens of thousands of flint tools dating from the Mesolithic and.

“Venture around a landscaped lake”… created through sand and gravel extraction extraction gravel and sand through created lake”… landscaped a around “Venture sandy soils were soon exhausted. The term Breckland is derived from been found from the West Stow excavations alone.

WALK LAKE : ROUTE PURPLE )

( the older word ‘breck’ which was used to describe an unenclosed

parkland and along the Lark. the along and parkland area of abandoned arable land. Did you know…?

“Discover one of West Stow’s former glories”… as you stroll through 2.5km of of 2.5km through stroll you as glories”… former Stow’s West of one “Discover When local flint tools were made from

PUMPHOUSE ROUTE ROUTE PUMPHOUSE : YELLOW ROUTE YELLOW Did you know…? ) ( a deep black flint, the flint could have

Frosts can occur in any month of the been mined from Grimes Graves.

Heath. year in Breckland.

NATURE TRAIL TRAIL NATURE : ROUTE RED ) ( The sandy, unstable soils not only was introduced to the area and

made farming difficult but also someone, probably of status, was

Lake Walk Lake

Allow 50 - 60mins - 50 Allow

1.86ml / 3.5km 3.5km / 1.86ml resulted in serious erosion and buried in the centre of a ring ditch with

Pumphouse Route Pumphouse Allow 40 - 50mins - 40 Allow 2.5km / 1.55ml frequent ‘sandblows’. In the 19th a carved stone bead and surrounded by

century, the planting of Scots Pine Nature Trail Nature Allow 30 - 40mins - 30 Allow 1.5km / 0.93ml over forty cremation burials. Iron Age people

shelterbelts helped reduce sandblows. continued farming the land and left evidence

coloured arrows. arrows. coloured We still have similar shelterbelt planting

All the routes start at the front of the Visitor Centre and are waymarked with with waymarked are and Centre Visitor the of front the at start routes the All of round houses, whilst the Romans used the site

in the Country Park today.

SUMMARY TRAIL for pottery kilns. The practice of sheep grazing also played a key role in shaping the Then, in the early 5th century, a settlement was built on the banks landscape. Grazing controlled invasive scrub and coarse grasses of the River Lark by the people who became known as the Anglo- allowing the distinctive Breckland plants and animals to thrive. Saxons. The people of West Stow and their culture had roots in The short grass and bare soil were ideal for the small, less northern Europe and Scandinavia and possibly in the local Romano competitive plants. British population. Timber, straw and reeds were used to construct By the Middle Ages, Breckland had a thriving wool trade with buildings around a central hall, possibly the focal point for an production peaking in the 13th century. The local wool industry extended family. They were farmers, raising cattle, pigs, sheep and remained profitable until the arrival of the Industrial Revolution. goats. They grew wheat, barley, rye and beans; crops that could be Today, sheep still play an important role in maintaining heathland stored for use during the leaner months. sites, including here at West Stow.

Rabbits have also been an important However, life was not just about component in heathland ecology surviving off the land. Their pottery since they became established in the shows trade existed across East wild, superseding sheep as primary Anglia. Some of the Anglo Saxons grazers. They keep grass short and at West Stow wore gilded brooches, their burrows and scrapes create areas marking them out from their fellow of disturbed soil which is vital to the villagers. Three swords associated survival of many Breckland plants and with the settlement were found, with animals. two in the cemetery, where a few of the Did you know…? dead were also buried with shields and spears DISCOVER 125 ACRES OF UNSPOILT COUNTRYSIDE, WITH to declare their warrior status. HEATHLAND AND WOODLAND WALKS, A SCULPTURE Rabbit farming gave a big economic return on land which would TRAIL AND AN ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND . . . otherwise have yielded very little and in Medieval times, Breckland Did you know…? had the largest number of warrens in the UK. The two swords that were found in the Anglo-Saxon cemetery and About 86% of heathland was lost to development between 1934 excavated in 1849, are now lost; only the one buried in the settlement OPENING TIMES PARKING and 1980, so Breckland heaths are now a fragile, threatened habitat. can still be viewed. West Stow Country Park is open every There is ample car parking, and car Many heaths have been designated as nature reserves or Sites of By the early 8th century, the settlement at West Stow was day, including Christmas and Easter, parking charges apply during opening Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to offer them protection against abandoned. We may never know why, but many early Anglo-Saxon with the car park available from: hours. development; West Stow Heath in the western half of the park is one sites suffered the same fate. Perhaps new ways of farming and Nov-Mar: 9am-5pm Car Park charges and 12 month annual such site. As well as legal protection, it is important that heathlands emerging new elites, including the Church, meant they had to settle April: 9am-7pm pass available online at: are appreciated by the public and managed sustainably so they can elsewhere. Evidence of Medieval ploughing survives but in the May-Aug: 9am-8pm westsuffolk.gov.uk/parking survive for future generations. Proper management is also vital for 14th century, the park was completely covered by a sandblow, up Sept: 9am-7pm the survival of the special wildlife which inhabit this unique habitat. to a metre deep in places. The sand acted as a protective blanket, Oct: 9am-6pm CONTACT US Did you know…? covering the evidence of times past for future discovery. Tel: 01284 728718 HOW TO FIND US Email: [email protected] Breckland is home to over 120 nationally Whilst the cemetery was excavated in the mid-19th century, the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/ rare and threatened plant species, many settlement remained hidden until Basil Brown, of Sutton Hoo fame, & Country Park, parks/west-stow of which grow nowhere else in Britain. discovered the Anglo-Saxon site in 1947. Excavations from 1957- Icklingham Road, 1961 and then from 1965-1972 revealed the www.facebook.com/ Characteristic Breckland species that West Stow, occur at West Stow include birds such Anglo-Saxon settlement as well as the Suffolk IP28 6HG WestStowCountryPark as the Woodlark and Nightjar. There human activity that preceded it. The West Stow Country Park is just 6 www.instagram.com/ are many different invertebrates experimental reconstruction of the miles north-west of Bury St Edmunds, weststowcountrypark including sand-burrowing wasps Anglo-Saxon Village followed and 15 minutes from the A11 and A14 and and bees and several nationally scarce continues to this day. approximately an hour from Norwich, Cambridge and Ipswich. plants that prefer sandy, free-draining soils, including the Maiden Pink, Sickle Medick and Mossy Stonecrop.

www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/parks/west-stow

section. section. section. section. section. Trails Trails Trails Trails Trails the the the the the in in in in in overleaf overleaf overleaf overleaf overleaf found found found found found be be be be be can can can can can Trail Trail Trail Trail Trail Grendel Grendel Grendel Grendel Grendel of the Park, then north through Thetford Forest. Thetford through north then Park, the of

•

Icknield Way Icknield – a long distance path which passes along the eastern edge edge eastern the along passes which path distance long a – and more information about these and the Beowulf and and and and and and Beowulf Beowulf Beowulf Beowulf Beowulf the the the the the and and and and and these these these these these about about about about about information information information information information more more more more more and and and and and

the Red, Blue and Yellow Trails are listed opposite opposite opposite opposite opposite listed listed listed listed are are are are Trails Trails Trails Trails Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow and and and and Blue Blue Blue Blue Red, Red, Red, Red, the the the the Brandon.

•

enable visitors to explore the Park. Brief details of of of of of details details details details Brief Brief Brief Brief Park. Park. Park. Park. the the the the explore explore explore explore to to to to visitors visitors visitors visitors enable enable enable enable St Edmunds Way Way Edmunds St to Manningtree from runs which route distance long a –

There are three waymarked walking trails which which which which which trails trails trails trails walking walking walking walking waymarked waymarked waymarked waymarked three three three three are are are are There There There There

Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall. and Edmunds St Bury

PATHS AND TRAILS TRAILS TRAILS TRAILS AND AND AND AND PATHS PATHS PATHS PATHS

•

Lark Valley Path Valley Lark – a 13mile (20km) walk following the river valley between between valley river the following walk (20km) 13mile a –

Park via Thetford Forest. Thetford via Park

available until 3pm 3pm until until available available

•

Brecks Trail Brecks – a walking/cycling/horse-riding route to Brandon Country Country Brandon to route walking/cycling/horse-riding a –

Opening times: 10am to 4pm all year, with hot food food food food food food hot hot hot hot hot with with with with with year, year, year, year, year, all all all all all 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm to to to to to 10am 10am 10am 10am 10am times: times: times: times: times: Opening Opening Opening Opening Opening

Other trails which pass through and from the Park: the from and through pass which trails Other INTO THE WILD: UNEARTHING THE PAST: cakes and scones. scones. and and cakes cakes

rolls, freshly cut sandwiches, baguettes and homemade homemade homemade homemade homemade homemade and and and and and baguettes baguettes baguettes baguettes baguettes sandwiches, sandwiches, sandwiches, sandwiches, sandwiches, cut cut cut cut cut freshly freshly freshly freshly freshly rolls, rolls, rolls, rolls, rolls,

period. The café offers afternoon tea, daily lunch specials, freshly baked sausage sausage sausage sausage sausage sausage baked baked baked baked baked freshly freshly freshly freshly freshly specials, specials, specials, specials, specials, lunch lunch lunch lunch lunch daily daily daily daily daily tea, tea, tea, tea, tea, afternoon afternoon afternoon afternoon afternoon offers offers offers offers offers café café café café café The The The The The period. period. period. period. period.

Run by an external company, the café is open daily except during the Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas the the the the the during during during during during except except except except except daily daily daily daily daily open open open open open is is is is is café café café café café the the the the the company, company, company, company, company, external external external external external an an an an an by by by by by Run Run Run Run Run

BEOWULF & GRENDEL TRAIL: GRENDEL & BEOWULF soils. The landscape was once covered in woodland until Neolithic to make flint tools and use fire as hunter-gatherers some 400,000

NATURAL KITCHEN CAFÉ CAFÉ CAFÉ CAFÉ CAFÉ KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN NATURAL NATURAL NATURAL NATURAL

settlers arrived and cleared the trees using flint axes. They then years ago. Tens of thousands of flint tools dating from the Mesolithic and.

on the floodplain, as you wander through 3.5km of heath and wetl and heath of 3.5km through wander you as floodplain, the on attempted to cultivate the cleared areas but quickly discovered the (9,000BC – 4,000BC) and Neolithic (4,000BC – 2,500BC) eras have “Venture around a landscaped lake”… created through sand and gravel extraction extraction gravel and sand through created lake”… landscaped a around “Venture

opened.

opened. sandy soils were soon exhausted. The term Breckland is derived from been found from the West Stow excavations alone. LAKE WALK WALK LAKE

PURPLE ROUTE PURPLE :

( )

was opened in 1988 and eleven years later, the Anglo-Saxon Museum and café were were were were were café café café café and and and and Museum Museum Museum Museum Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon the the the the later, later, later, later, years years years years eleven eleven eleven eleven and and and and 1988 1988 1988 1988 in in in in opened opened opened opened was was was was

was opened in 1988 and eleven years later, the Anglo-Saxon Museum and café were were café and Museum Anglo-Saxon the later, years eleven and 1988 in opened was the older word ‘breck’ which was used to describe an unenclosed

Country Park was opened to the public in June 1979. The timber-clad Visitor Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Visitor Visitor Visitor Visitor Visitor timber-clad timber-clad timber-clad timber-clad timber-clad The The The The The 1979. 1979. 1979. 1979. 1979. June June June June June in in in in in public public public public public the the the the the to to to to to opened opened opened opened opened was was was was was Park Park Park Park Park Country Country Country Country Country

parkland and along the Lark. the along and parkland area of abandoned arable land. Did you know…?

were excavated and a reconstruction of the buildings commenced. West Stow Stow Stow Stow Stow Stow West West West West West commenced. commenced. commenced. commenced. commenced. buildings buildings buildings buildings buildings the the the the the of of of of of reconstruction reconstruction reconstruction reconstruction reconstruction a a a a a and and and and and excavated excavated excavated excavated excavated were were were were were

excavations did not begin until the 1950’s. Remains of an Anglo-Saxon settlement settlement settlement settlement settlement settlement Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon an an an an an of of of of of Remains Remains Remains Remains Remains 1950’s. 1950’s. 1950’s. 1950’s. 1950’s. the the the the the until until until until until begin begin begin begin begin not not not not not did did did did did excavations excavations excavations excavations excavations

PUMPHOUSE ROUTE ROUTE PUMPHOUSE YELLOW ROUTE YELLOW : Did you know…? (

) a deep black flint, the flint could have An early Anglo-Saxon cemetery was discovered in 1849, however major archaeological archaeological archaeological archaeological archaeological archaeological archaeological archaeological major major major major major major major however however however however however however however 1849, 1849, 1849, 1849, 1849, 1849, 1849, in in in in in in in discovered discovered discovered discovered discovered discovered discovered was was was was was was was cemetery cemetery cemetery cemetery cemetery cemetery cemetery Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon early early early early early early early An An An An An An An

An early Anglo-Saxon cemetery was discovered in 1849, however major archaeological archaeological major however 1849, in discovered was cemetery Anglo-Saxon early An Frosts can occur in any month of the been mined from Grimes Graves.

Heath.

resulted in the creation of a large gravel pit. pit. pit. pit. pit. gravel gravel gravel gravel large large large large a a a a of of of of creation creation creation creation the the the the in in in in resulted resulted resulted resulted

resulted in the creation of a large gravel pit. pit. gravel large a of creation the in resulted year in Breckland.

“Enter a world of woodland and nature”… with this 1.5km loop around the Breckland Breckland the around loop 1.5km this with nature”… and woodland of world a “Enter During the Neolithic era, farming tip. In 1979, mineral extraction began at the western end of the site which eventually eventually eventually eventually eventually eventually which which which which which site site site site site the the the the the of of of of of end end end end end western western western western western the the the the the at at at at at began began began began began extraction extraction extraction extraction extraction mineral mineral mineral mineral mineral 1979, 1979, 1979, 1979, 1979, In In In In In tip. tip. tip. tip. tip.

NATURE TRAIL TRAIL NATURE RED ROUTE RED : (

) The sandy, unstable soils not only was introduced to the area and

and gravel was excavated and the resulting quarry was used as a municipal rubbish- rubbish- rubbish- rubbish- municipal municipal municipal municipal a a a a as as as as used used used used was was was was quarry quarry quarry quarry resulting resulting resulting resulting the the the the and and and and excavated excavated excavated excavated was was was was gravel gravel gravel gravel and and and and

and gravel was excavated and the resulting quarry was used as a municipal rubbish- municipal a as used was quarry resulting the and excavated was gravel and made farming difficult but also

as a sewage farm dealing with discharge from Bury St Edmunds. After it closed, sand sand sand sand sand sand sand closed, closed, closed, closed, closed, closed, it it it it it it After After After After After After Edmunds. Edmunds. Edmunds. Edmunds. Edmunds. Edmunds. St St St St St St Bury Bury Bury Bury Bury Bury from from from from from from discharge discharge discharge discharge discharge discharge with with with with with with dealing dealing dealing dealing dealing dealing farm farm farm farm farm farm sewage sewage sewage sewage sewage sewage a a a a a a as as as as as as as a sewage farm dealing with discharge from Bury St Edmunds. After it closed, sand sand closed, it After Edmunds. St Bury from discharge with dealing farm sewage a as someone, probably of status, was

Lake Walk Lake Allow 50 - 60mins - 50 Allow

1.86ml / 3.5km 3.5km / 1.86ml resulted in serious erosion and

1886. In the first half of the twentieth century, the eastern half of the site was used used used used used used used was was was was was was site site site site site site the the the the the the of of of of of of half half half half half half eastern eastern eastern eastern eastern eastern the the the the the the century, century, century, century, century, century, twentieth twentieth twentieth twentieth twentieth twentieth the the the the the the of of of of of of half half half half half half first first first first first first the the the the the the In In In In In In 1886. 1886. 1886. 1886. 1886. 1886. 1886. In the first half of the twentieth century, the eastern half of the site was used used was site the of half eastern the century, twentieth the of half first the In 1886. buried in the centre of a ring ditch with

Pumphouse Route Pumphouse

Allow 40 - 50mins - 40 Allow

1.55ml / 2.5km / 1.55ml frequent ‘sandblows’. In the 19th Originally part of the Culford Estate, the site was purchased by the local council in in in in in in council council council council council local local local local local the the the the the by by by by by purchased purchased purchased purchased purchased was was was was was site site site site site the the the the the Estate, Estate, Estate, Estate, Estate, Culford Culford Culford Culford Culford the the the the the of of of of of part part part part part Originally Originally Originally Originally Originally Originally part of the Culford Estate, the site was purchased by the local council in in council local the by purchased was site the Estate, Culford the of part Originally a carved stone bead and surrounded by

century, the planting of Scots Pine Nature Trail Nature

Allow 30 - 40mins - 30 Allow 1.5km / 0.93ml A BRIEF HISTORY HISTORY HISTORY HISTORY HISTORY BRIEF BRIEF BRIEF BRIEF BRIEF A A A A A A BRIEF HISTORY BRIEF A over forty cremation burials. Iron Age people

shelterbelts helped reduce sandblows. continued farming the land and left evidence

coloured arrows. arrows. coloured We still have similar shelterbelt planting varied habitats. habitats. habitats. habitats. habitats. varied varied varied varied All the routes start at the front of the Visitor Centre and are waymarked with with waymarked are and Centre Visitor the of front the at start routes the All of round houses, whilst the Romans used the site

in the Country Park today.

trails enable visitors to enjoy the interesting and and and and and and interesting interesting interesting interesting interesting the the the the the enjoy enjoy enjoy enjoy enjoy to to to to to visitors visitors visitors visitors visitors enable enable enable enable enable trails trails trails trails trails

SUMMARY TRAIL for pottery kilns.

woodland, a river and a large lake. Various waymarked waymarked waymarked waymarked waymarked Various Various Various Various lake. lake. lake. lake. large large large large a a a a and and and and river river river river a a a a woodland, woodland, woodland, woodland,

woodland, a river and a large lake. Various waymarked waymarked Various lake. large a and river a woodland, The practice of sheep grazing also played a key role in shaping the

Then, in the early 5th century, a settlement was built on the banks

Scots Pine belts. There are also patches of deciduous deciduous deciduous deciduous deciduous deciduous deciduous deciduous deciduous deciduous of of of of of of of of of patches patches patches patches patches patches patches patches patches also also also also also also also also also are are are are are are are are are There There There There There There There There There belts. belts. belts. belts. belts. belts. belts. belts. belts. Pine Pine Pine Pine Pine Pine Pine Pine Pine Scots Scots Scots Scots Scots Scots Scots Scots Scots

Scots Pine belts. There are also patches of deciduous deciduous of patches also are There belts. Pine Scots landscape. Grazing controlled invasive scrub and coarse grasses

of the River Lark by the people who became known as the Anglo-

of the site is open grassland or heathland with iconic iconic iconic iconic iconic iconic with with with with with heathland heathland heathland heathland heathland or or or or or grassland grassland grassland grassland grassland open open open open open is is is is is site site site site site the the the the the of of of of of

of the site is open grassland or heathland with iconic iconic with heathland or grassland open is site the of allowing the distinctive Breckland plants and animals to thrive.

Located near the southern edge of the Brecks, most most most most most most Brecks, Brecks, Brecks, Brecks, Brecks, the the the the the of of of of of edge edge edge edge edge southern southern southern southern southern the the the the the near near near near near Located Located Located Located Located Located near the southern edge of the Brecks, most most Brecks, the of edge southern the near Located Saxons. The people of West Stow and their culture had roots in The short grass and bare soil were ideal for the small, less

northern Europe and Scandinavia and possibly in the local Romano

important, reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village. Village. Village. Village. Village. Village. Village. Village. Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon reconstructed reconstructed reconstructed reconstructed reconstructed reconstructed reconstructed important, important, important, important, important, important, important, important, reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village. Village. Anglo-Saxon reconstructed important, competitive plants.

British population. Timber, straw and reeds were used to construct

children’s play area and café, as well as the culturally culturally culturally culturally culturally culturally culturally culturally the the the the the the the as as as as as as as well well well well well well well as as as as as as as café, café, café, café, café, café, café, and and and and and and and area area area area area area area play play play play play play play children’s children’s children’s children’s children’s children’s children’s

children’s play area and café, as well as the culturally culturally the as well as café, and area play children’s By the Middle Ages, Breckland had a thriving wool trade with buildings around a central hall, possibly the focal point for an along the Lark valley. The site has a large car park, park, park, park, park, park, park, park, car car car car car car car large large large large large large large a a a a a a a has has has has has has has site site site site site site site The The The The The The The valley. valley. valley. valley. valley. valley. valley. Lark Lark Lark Lark Lark Lark Lark the the the the the the the along along along along along along along

along the Lark valley. The site has a large car park, park, car large a has site The valley. Lark the along production peaking in the 13th century. The local wool industry extended family. They were farmers, raising cattle, pigs, sheep and The Park occupies approximately 125 acres of land land land land land land land land of of of of of of of acres acres acres acres acres acres acres 125 125 125 125 125 125 125 approximately approximately approximately approximately approximately approximately approximately occupies occupies occupies occupies occupies occupies occupies Park Park Park Park Park Park Park The The The The The The The

The Park occupies approximately 125 acres of land land of acres 125 approximately occupies Park The remained profitable until the arrival of the Industrial Revolution. goats. They grew wheat, barley, rye and beans; crops that could be

COUNTRY PARK PARK PARK PARK COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY

COUNTRY PARK COUNTRY Today, sheep still play an important role in maintaining heathland stored for use during the leaner months.

WELCOME TO WEST STOW STOW STOW STOW STOW STOW STOW WEST WEST WEST WEST WEST WEST TO TO TO TO TO TO WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TO WEST STOW STOW WEST TO WELCOME sites, including here at West Stow.

www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/parks/west-stow

of the Park, then north through Thetford Forest. Thetford through north then Park, the of

•

Icknield Way Icknield – a long distance path which passes along the eastern edge edge eastern the along passes which path distance long a –

Brandon.

•

St Edmunds Way Way Edmunds St to Manningtree from runs which route distance long a –

Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall. and Edmunds St Bury

•

Lark Valley Path Valley Lark – a 13mile (20km) walk following the river valley between between valley river the following walk (20km) 13mile a –

Park via Thetford Forest. Thetford via Park

•

Brecks Trail Brecks – a walking/cycling/horse-riding route to Brandon Country Country Brandon to route walking/cycling/horse-riding a –

Other trails which pass through and from the Park: the from and through pass which trails Other INTO THE WILD: UNEARTHING THE PAST:

settlers arrived and cleared the trees using flint axes. They then years ago. Tens of thousands of flint tools dating from the Mesolithic and.

WALK LAKE : ROUTE PURPLE )

( the older word ‘breck’ which was used to describe an unenclosed

parkland and along the Lark. the along and parkland area of abandoned arable land. Did you know…?

PUMPHOUSE ROUTE ROUTE PUMPHOUSE : YELLOW ROUTE YELLOW Did you know…? ) ( a deep black flint, the flint could have

Frosts can occur in any month of the been mined from Grimes Graves.

Heath. year in Breckland.

NATURE TRAIL TRAIL NATURE : ROUTE RED ) ( The sandy, unstable soils not only was introduced to the area and

made farming difficult but also someone, probably of status, was

Lake Walk Lake

Allow 50 - 60mins - 50 Allow

1.86ml / 3.5km 3.5km / 1.86ml resulted in serious erosion and buried in the centre of a ring ditch with

Pumphouse Route Pumphouse Allow 40 - 50mins - 40 Allow 2.5km / 1.55ml frequent ‘sandblows’. In the 19th a carved stone bead and surrounded by

century, the planting of Scots Pine Nature Trail Nature Allow 30 - 40mins - 30 Allow 1.5km / 0.93ml over forty cremation burials. Iron Age people

shelterbelts helped reduce sandblows. continued farming the land and left evidence

coloured arrows. arrows. coloured We still have similar shelterbelt planting

in the Country Park today.

www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/parks/west-stow

of the Park, then north through Thetford Forest. Thetford through north then Park, the of

•

Icknield Way Icknield – a long distance path which passes along the eastern edge edge eastern the along passes which path distance long a –

Brandon.

•

St Edmunds Way Way Edmunds St to Manningtree from runs which route distance long a –

Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall. and Edmunds St Bury

•

Lark Valley Path Valley Lark – a 13mile (20km) walk following the river valley between between valley river the following walk (20km) 13mile a –

Park via Thetford Forest. Thetford via Park

•

Brecks Trail Brecks – a walking/cycling/horse-riding route to Brandon Country Country Brandon to route walking/cycling/horse-riding a –

Other trails which pass through and from the Park: the from and through pass which trails Other INTO THE WILD: UNEARTHING THE PAST:

settlers arrived and cleared the trees using flint axes. They then years ago. Tens of thousands of flint tools dating from the Mesolithic and.

WALK LAKE : ROUTE PURPLE )

( the older word ‘breck’ which was used to describe an unenclosed

parkland and along the Lark. the along and parkland area of abandoned arable land. Did you know…?

PUMPHOUSE ROUTE ROUTE PUMPHOUSE : YELLOW ROUTE YELLOW Did you know…? ) ( a deep black flint, the flint could have

Frosts can occur in any month of the been mined from Grimes Graves.

Heath. year in Breckland.

NATURE TRAIL TRAIL NATURE : ROUTE RED ) ( The sandy, unstable soils not only was introduced to the area and

made farming difficult but also someone, probably of status, was

Lake Walk Lake

Allow 50 - 60mins - 50 Allow

1.86ml / 3.5km 3.5km / 1.86ml resulted in serious erosion and buried in the centre of a ring ditch with

Pumphouse Route Pumphouse Allow 40 - 50mins - 40 Allow 2.5km / 1.55ml frequent ‘sandblows’. In the 19th a carved stone bead and surrounded by

century, the planting of Scots Pine Nature Trail Nature Allow 30 - 40mins - 30 Allow 1.5km / 0.93ml over forty cremation burials. Iron Age people

shelterbelts helped reduce sandblows. continued farming the land and left evidence

coloured arrows. arrows. coloured We still have similar shelterbelt planting

in the Country Park today.

www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/parks/west-stow Towards Icknield Way

Valley Path

T O A 1 1 0 1 HEATHLAND AREA – West Stow Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest( SSSI) occupying the western MILDENHALL half of the park and is a surviving example of a Breckland heath. Breckland heaths are a rare and protected habitat and are home to many characteristic plants and animals, some unique to this region.

THE LAKE The lake is actually a gravel pit which was allowed to fill with water after mineral extraction ceased in the early 1980s. It is home to a variety of wildfowl and each Spring, thousands of toads migrate there to spawn. River Lark The lake is now run as a successful fishery. Fishing Lakes THE RIVER LARK NORTH The Lark flows west along the southern boundary of the Park, eventually meeting up with the Great Ouse. It is thought to have been navigable since Roman NATURE TRAIL times and barges carrying coal and wheat reached (RED ROUTE): as far as Fornham up until the late 19th century. T “Enter a world of woodland and O A A unique brick 'crescent lock' which held up to eight Nature Trail (1.5km) Picnic Areas nature”… with this 1.5km loop barges still exists to the south of the lake. The river 1 around the Breckland Heath. 1 has suffered from poor water quality and habitat 01 • What can you see? degradation in recent years but innovative restoration – Pumphouse Route (2.5km) TO BURY ST EDMUNDS Within a pine and oak tree belt, what will you projects along the section through the Park have resulted Play Areas discover among the Norway Spruce plantation and in a more dynamic river system with greater biodiversity. a small Birch woodland? There’s more than Dragons in Lake Walk (3.5km) Toilets these woods! • Did you know? Scots Pines or 'Deal Rows' were planted in Breckland from the late seventeenth THE PUMPHOUSE century to help prevent sandblows. The Victorian pumphouse is the main surviving feature of West Stow Sewage Works which occupied PUMPHOUSE ROUTE (YELLOW ROUTE): the eastern half of the Park in the first half of the “Discover one of West Stow’s former glories”… as you stroll through 2.5km of 20th century. Sewage was piped all the way from parkland and along the Lark. Bury St Edmunds and pumped into settling beds. • What can you see? Only the boilers remain inside the Grade II listed Discover the main survivor of the former sewage farm, a Victorian pumphouse, whilst building. you spot Trout, Moorhens and other aquatic life along the Lark. CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND CYCLING IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK • Did you know? The red brick Victorian pumping station was built to distribute 300,000 gallons of Our professionally designed playground in the main car park Siskins Great- Maiden Pinks Visiting cyclists are welcome in the Park though there are currently no cycle routes sewage which arrived every day through a gravity-fed pipeline from Bury St Edmunds. caters for all ages, from toddlers to teens. There are also Pussy Willow Crested Cinnabar on the site. We have cycle racks outside the Visitor Centre and a waymarked, cycling- two climbing rocks and a den-building area nearby. Snowdrops Grebes Moth friendly 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail (the 'Brecks Trail') between West Stow Country Park and Brandon Country Park. LAKE WALK (PURPLE ROUTE): Long-Tailed Blackcaps Caterpillars THE VISITOR CENTRE, PICNIC AREA & CAFE Tits Orange Tips Grass Snakes Please note: The paths from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre are narrow so cyclists “Venture around a landscaped lake”… created through sand and gravel extraction on the floodplain, as you wander through 3.5km of heath and wetland. The timber clad Visitor Centre was built in 1988 and houses the shop, reception are asked to dismount in the Car Park and walk to the Centre/Café. area and an archaeology gallery. Picnic benches are available for use in front of • What can you see? the building among the conifers which provide welcome shade in the summer. PLEASE REMEMBER: If you’re lucky, you might spot a Kingfisher pop over from Lackford Lakes, but watch Barn Owls Blackthorn Hobbies out also for Egyptian Geese and hundreds of toads as you encounter our majestic No camping* THE ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE Bramblings Blossom Four-Spotted • wetland. Grey Herons One of the main attractions of the site, the Anglo- Great- Chasers • Guard against all risks of fire - no barbecues* • Did you know? Bullfinches Saxon Village, comprises of several reconstructed Spotted Yellow Flags • Keep dogs under control at all times The river Lark was once navigable as far as Bury St Edmunds. It was an important buildings on the site of an original settlement. Woodpeckers Brimstones Comfrey trade route and, in its heyday, numerous barges carried coal upriver from King's Lynn. Each house has been built using traditional materials • Put your litter in the bins or take it home Jays BEOWULF & GRENDEL TRAIL: and methods based on the evidence found there. Heather • Protect and respect wildlife, plants and trees They all differ in design to reflect what they may Grey Redwings “Embark on a journey through Anglo-Saxon folkore”… Harebells * Members of the fishing syndicate are permitted have resembled when they were occupied in Squirrels Tawny Owls with this interactive trail of the Beowulf and Grendel to stay overnight and use stoves on the lake Anglo-Saxon times. Red Fly Agarics story. Admirals Muntjacs Acorns • What can you see? NATURE BEYOND WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK: At each storyboard lose yourself with part of the Look out for Buzzards drifting overhead and listen for Nuthatches, Great-Spotted story and encounter a chapter frozen in time. Woodpeckers and Goldcrests in the trees around the Visitor Centre. In winter, You can visit ... Common Blackberries Did you know? the bird feeders attract many species, including Bramblings and Siskins. On the • Lizards Giant Roe Deer Brandon Country Park heathland, there are Linnets and Green Woodpeckers and • You can upgrade your experience with an Adventure Beewolf Puffballs Kingfishers with a bit of luck, you could also see a Barn Owl or Roe- Fullers Mill Gardens Trail to discover the Trail and the Tale’s runes and Wasps Craneflies Green • Deer. In Spring, look out for displaying Great-Crested activity sheets, available from the Visitor Centre. Common Woodpeckers Lackford Lakes Grebes and hundreds of toads in the lake. Roesel’s • Darter BRECKS TRAIL: Bush-Crickets • King's Forest In summer, the sounds of crickets fill the air and This route is a 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail between West Stow Country Park and numerous butterflies and dragonflies are on the • Cavenham Heath Brandon Country Park, catering for walkers, cyclists and with sections suitable for wing. The rare Maiden Pink still grows in a few areas horse-riding. of the park and heather is particularly spectacular in DOGS IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK TRAILS IN THE PARK August. Autumn sees the first winter birds arriving Dogs are welcome in the Park, but please comply with the advisory signs which state All the trails start at the front of the Visitor Centre and are waymarked with coloured The Brecks Trail passes through open heathlands, forest and agricultural land. There to feed on the numerous berries. Fungi such as Fly where and when your dog must be kept on a lead. Please also clear up after your dog. arrows (see site map). The free-draining soil and predominantly level ground means are many points of interest along the route including Thetford Forest, the Elveden Agaric and Shaggy Inkcap can be seen and listen out Please note: Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed into the Anglo-Saxon they are accessible to wheelchair users; the only inclines of note occur along the two Monument and the King George V Monument. Trail leaflets are available for free in for the roaring of Red Deer Stags and Muntjac, barking. Village. paths leading to and from the river on the Yellow Route. the Visitor Centre. HEATHLAND AREA West Stow Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest( SSSI) occupying the western half of the park and is a surviving example of a Breckland heath. Breckland heaths are a rare and protected habitat and are home to many characteristic plants and animals, some unique to this region.

THE RIVER LARK The Lark flows west along the southern boundary of the Park, eventually meeting up with the Great Ouse. It is thought to have been navigable since Roman NATURE TRAIL times and barges carrying coal and wheat reached (RED ROUTE): as far as Fornham up until the late 19th century. “Enter a world of woodland and A unique brick 'crescent lock' which held up to eight nature”… with this 1.5km loop barges still exists to the south of the lake. The river around the Breckland Heath. has suffered from poor water quality and habitat What can you see? degradation in recent years but innovative restoration • TO BURY ST EDMUNDS Within a pine and oak tree belt, what will you projects along the section through the Park have resulted discover among the Norway Spruce plantation and in a more dynamic river system with greater biodiversity. a small Birch woodland? There’s more than Dragons in Toilets these woods! • Did you know? Beowulf & Scots Pines or 'Deal Rows' were planted in Breckland from the late seventeenth THE PUMPHOUSE Disabled century to help prevent sandblows. Grendel Trail The Victorian pumphouse is the main surviving Toilets feature of West Stow Sewage Works which occupied PUMPHOUSE ROUTE (YELLOW ROUTE): the eastern half of the Park in the first half of the “Discover one of West Stow’s former glories”… as you stroll through 2.5km of 20th century. Sewage was piped all the way from 250m parkland and along the Lark. Bury St Edmunds and pumped into settling beds. • What can you see? Only the boilers remain inside the Grade II listed Discover the main survivor of the former sewage farm, a Victorian pumphouse, whilst building. you spot Trout, Moorhens and other aquatic life along the Lark. CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND CYCLING IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK • Did you know? The red brick Victorian pumping station was built to distribute 300,000 gallons of Our professionally designed playground in the main car park Siskins Great- Maiden Pinks Visiting cyclists are welcome in the Park though there are currently no cycle routes sewage which arrived every day through a gravity-fed pipeline from Bury St Edmunds. caters for all ages, from toddlers to teens. There are also Pussy Willow Crested Cinnabar on the site. We have cycle racks outside the Visitor Centre and a waymarked, cycling- two climbing rocks and a den-building area nearby. Snowdrops Grebes Moth friendly 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail (the 'Brecks Trail') between West Stow Country Park and Brandon Country Park. LAKE WALK (PURPLE ROUTE): Long-Tailed Blackcaps Caterpillars THE VISITOR CENTRE, PICNIC AREA & CAFE Tits Orange Tips Grass Snakes Please note: The paths from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre are narrow so cyclists “Venture around a landscaped lake”… created through sand and gravel extraction on the floodplain, as you wander through 3.5km of heath and wetland. The timber clad Visitor Centre was built in 1988 and houses the shop, reception are asked to dismount in the Car Park and walk to the Centre/Café. area and an archaeology gallery. Picnic benches are available for use in front of • What can you see? the building among the conifers which provide welcome shade in the summer. PLEASE REMEMBER: If you’re lucky, you might spot a Kingfisher pop over from Lackford Lakes, but watch Barn Owls Blackthorn Hobbies out also for Egyptian Geese and hundreds of toads as you encounter our majestic No camping* THE ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE Bramblings Blossom Four-Spotted • wetland. Grey Herons One of the main attractions of the site, the Anglo- Great- Chasers • Guard against all risks of fire - no barbecues* • Did you know? Bullfinches Saxon Village, comprises of several reconstructed Spotted Yellow Flags • Keep dogs under control at all times The river Lark was once navigable as far as Bury St Edmunds. It was an important buildings on the site of an original settlement. Woodpeckers Brimstones Comfrey trade route and, in its heyday, numerous barges carried coal upriver from King's Lynn. Each house has been built using traditional materials • Put your litter in the bins or take it home Jays BEOWULF & GRENDEL TRAIL: and methods based on the evidence found there. Heather • Protect and respect wildlife, plants and trees They all differ in design to reflect what they may Grey Redwings “Embark on a journey through Anglo-Saxon folkore”… Harebells * Members of the fishing syndicate are permitted have resembled when they were occupied in Squirrels Tawny Owls with this interactive trail of the Beowulf and Grendel to stay overnight and use stoves on the lake Anglo-Saxon times. Red Fly Agarics story. Admirals Muntjacs Acorns • What can you see? NATURE BEYOND WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK: At each storyboard lose yourself with part of the Look out for Buzzards drifting overhead and listen for Nuthatches, Great-Spotted story and encounter a chapter frozen in time. Woodpeckers and Goldcrests in the trees around the Visitor Centre. In winter, You can visit ... Common Blackberries Did you know? the bird feeders attract many species, including Bramblings and Siskins. On the • Lizards Giant Roe Deer Brandon Country Park heathland, there are Linnets and Green Woodpeckers and • You can upgrade your experience with an Adventure Beewolf Puffballs Kingfishers with a bit of luck, you could also see a Barn Owl or Roe- Fullers Mill Gardens Trail to discover the Trail and the Tale’s runes and Wasps Craneflies Green • Deer. In Spring, look out for displaying Great-Crested activity sheets, available from the Visitor Centre. Common Woodpeckers Lackford Lakes Grebes and hundreds of toads in the lake. Roesel’s • Darter BRECKS TRAIL: Bush-Crickets • King's Forest In summer, the sounds of crickets fill the air and This route is a 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail between West Stow Country Park and numerous butterflies and dragonflies are on the • Cavenham Heath Brandon Country Park, catering for walkers, cyclists and with sections suitable for wing. The rare Maiden Pink still grows in a few areas horse-riding. of the park and heather is particularly spectacular in DOGS IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK TRAILS IN THE PARK August. Autumn sees the first winter birds arriving Dogs are welcome in the Park, but please comply with the advisory signs which state All the trails start at the front of the Visitor Centre and are waymarked with coloured The Brecks Trail passes through open heathlands, forest and agricultural land. There to feed on the numerous berries. Fungi such as Fly where and when your dog must be kept on a lead. Please also clear up after your dog. arrows (see site map). The free-draining soil and predominantly level ground means are many points of interest along the route including Thetford Forest, the Elveden Agaric and Shaggy Inkcap can be seen and listen out Please note: Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed into the Anglo-Saxon they are accessible to wheelchair users; the only inclines of note occur along the two Monument and the King George V Monument. Trail leaflets are available for free in for the roaring of Red Deer Stags and Muntjac, barking. Village. paths leading to and from the river on the Yellow Route. the Visitor Centre. Icklingham Road Toilets

WEST STOW Entrance COUNTRY PARK

TO B 1106 – BURY ST EDMUNDS

Anglo-Saxon Village HEATHLAND AREA Car Park West Stow Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest( SSSI) occupying the western Visitor half of the park and is a surviving example of a Breckland heath. Breckland heaths Centre Play area are a rare and protected habitat and are home to many characteristic plants and animals, some unique to this region. & Café

THE PINE BELTS Pine belts were originally planted as windbreaks in the early nineteenth century to help prevent sandblows. Additional belts in the Park were planted in the 20th century and represent an integral part of the Breckland landscape. Pumphouse THE LAKE The lake is actually a gravel pit which was allowed to fill with water after mineral extraction ceased in the early 1980s. It is home to a variety of St Edmunds Way wildfowl and each Spring, thousands of toads migrate there to spawn. River Lark The lake is now run as a successful fishery. Lackford Lakes THE RIVER LARK The Lark flows west along the southern boundary of the Park, eventually meeting up with the Great Ouse. It is thought to have been navigable since Roman NATURE TRAIL times and barges carrying coal and wheat reached (RED ROUTE): as far as Fornham up until the late 19th century. “Enter a world of woodland and A unique brick 'crescent lock' which held up to eight Picnic Areas Car Park nature”… with this 1.5km loop barges still exists to the south of the lake. The river around the Breckland Heath. has suffered from poor water quality and habitat What can you see? degradation in recent years but innovative restoration • Within a pine and oak tree belt, what will you projects along the section through the Park have resulted Play Areas Information discover among the Norway Spruce plantation and in a more dynamic river system with greater biodiversity. a small Birch woodland? There’s more than Dragons in oilets Refreshments these woods! • Did you know? Scots Pines or 'Deal Rows' were planted in Breckland from the late seventeenth THE PUMPHOUSE century to help prevent sandblows. The Victorian pumphouse is the main surviving feature of West Stow Sewage Works which occupied PUMPHOUSE ROUTE (YELLOW ROUTE): the eastern half of the Park in the first half of the “Discover one of West Stow’s former glories”… as you stroll through 2.5km of 20th century. Sewage was piped all the way from parkland and along the Lark. Bury St Edmunds and pumped into settling beds. • What can you see? Only the boilers remain inside the Grade II listed Discover the main survivor of the former sewage farm, a Victorian pumphouse, whilst building. you spot Trout, Moorhens and other aquatic life along the Lark. CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND CYCLING IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK • Did you know? The red brick Victorian pumping station was built to distribute 300,000 gallons of Our professionally designed playground in the main car park Siskins Great- Maiden Pinks Visiting cyclists are welcome in the Park though there are currently no cycle routes sewage which arrived every day through a gravity-fed pipeline from Bury St Edmunds. caters for all ages, from toddlers to teens. There are also Pussy Willow Crested Cinnabar on the site. We have cycle racks outside the Visitor Centre and a waymarked, cycling- two climbing rocks and a den-building area nearby. Snowdrops Grebes Moth friendly 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail (the 'Brecks Trail') between West Stow Country Park and Brandon Country Park. LAKE WALK (PURPLE ROUTE): Long-Tailed Blackcaps Caterpillars THE VISITOR CENTRE, PICNIC AREA & CAFE Tits Orange Tips Grass Snakes Please note: The paths from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre are narrow so cyclists “Venture around a landscaped lake”… created through sand and gravel extraction on the floodplain, as you wander through 3.5km of heath and wetland. The timber clad Visitor Centre was built in 1988 and houses the shop, reception are asked to dismount in the Car Park and walk to the Centre/Café. area and an archaeology gallery. Picnic benches are available for use in front of • What can you see? the building among the conifers which provide welcome shade in the summer. PLEASE REMEMBER: If you’re lucky, you might spot a Kingfisher pop over from Lackford Lakes, but watch Barn Owls Blackthorn Hobbies out also for Egyptian Geese and hundreds of toads as you encounter our majestic No camping* THE ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE Bramblings Blossom Four-Spotted • wetland. Grey Herons One of the main attractions of the site, the Anglo- Great- Chasers • Guard against all risks of fire - no barbecues* • Did you know? Bullfinches Saxon Village, comprises of several reconstructed Spotted Yellow Flags • Keep dogs under control at all times The river Lark was once navigable as far as Bury St Edmunds. It was an important buildings on the site of an original settlement. Woodpeckers Brimstones Comfrey trade route and, in its heyday, numerous barges carried coal upriver from King's Lynn. Each house has been built using traditional materials • Put your litter in the bins or take it home Jays BEOWULF & GRENDEL TRAIL: and methods based on the evidence found there. Heather • Protect and respect wildlife, plants and trees They all differ in design to reflect what they may Grey Redwings “Embark on a journey through Anglo-Saxon folkore”… Harebells * Members of the fishing syndicate are permitted have resembled when they were occupied in Squirrels Tawny Owls with this interactive trail of the Beowulf and Grendel to stay overnight and use stoves on the lake Anglo-Saxon times. Red Fly Agarics story. Admirals Muntjacs Acorns • What can you see? NATURE BEYOND WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK: At each storyboard lose yourself with part of the Look out for Buzzards drifting overhead and listen for Nuthatches, Great-Spotted story and encounter a chapter frozen in time. Woodpeckers and Goldcrests in the trees around the Visitor Centre. In winter, You can visit ... Common Blackberries Did you know? the bird feeders attract many species, including Bramblings and Siskins. On the • Lizards Giant Roe Deer Brandon Country Park heathland, there are Linnets and Green Woodpeckers and • You can upgrade your experience with an Adventure Beewolf Puffballs Kingfishers with a bit of luck, you could also see a Barn Owl or Roe- Fullers Mill Gardens Trail to discover the Trail and the Tale’s runes and Wasps Craneflies Green • Deer. In Spring, look out for displaying Great-Crested activity sheets, available from the Visitor Centre. Common Woodpeckers Lackford Lakes Grebes and hundreds of toads in the lake. Roesel’s • Darter BRECKS TRAIL: Bush-Crickets • King's Forest In summer, the sounds of crickets fill the air and This route is a 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail between West Stow Country Park and numerous butterflies and dragonflies are on the • Cavenham Heath Brandon Country Park, catering for walkers, cyclists and with sections suitable for wing. The rare Maiden Pink still grows in a few areas horse-riding. of the park and heather is particularly spectacular in DOGS IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK TRAILS IN THE PARK August. Autumn sees the first winter birds arriving Dogs are welcome in the Park, but please comply with the advisory signs which state All the trails start at the front of the Visitor Centre and are waymarked with coloured The Brecks Trail passes through open heathlands, forest and agricultural land. There to feed on the numerous berries. Fungi such as Fly where and when your dog must be kept on a lead. Please also clear up after your dog. arrows (see site map). The free-draining soil and predominantly level ground means are many points of interest along the route including Thetford Forest, the Elveden Agaric and Shaggy Inkcap can be seen and listen out Please note: Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed into the Anglo-Saxon they are accessible to wheelchair users; the only inclines of note occur along the two Monument and the King George V Monument. Trail leaflets are available for free in for the roaring of Red Deer Stags and Muntjac, barking. Village. paths leading to and from the river on the Yellow Route. the Visitor Centre. HEATHLAND AREA West Stow Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest( SSSI) occupying the western half of the park and is a surviving example of a Breckland heath. Breckland heaths are a rare and protected habitat and are home to many characteristic plants and animals, some unique to this region.

THE RIVER LARK The Lark flows west along the southern boundary of the Park, eventually meeting up with the Great Ouse. It is thought to have been navigable since Roman NATURE TRAIL times and barges carrying coal and wheat reached (RED ROUTE): as far as Fornham up until the late 19th century. “Enter a world of woodland and A unique brick 'crescent lock' which held up to eight nature”… with this 1.5km loop barges still exists to the south of the lake. The river around the Breckland Heath. has suffered from poor water quality and habitat What can you see? degradation in recent years but innovative restoration • Within a pine and oak tree belt, what will you projects along the section through the Park have resulted discover among the Norway Spruce plantation and in a more dynamic river system with greater biodiversity. a small Birch woodland? There’s more than Dragons in oilets Refreshments these woods! • Did you know? Scots Pines or 'Deal Rows' were planted in Breckland from the late seventeenth THE PUMPHOUSE Disabled Start of century to help prevent sandblows. The Victorian pumphouse is the main surviving oilets Walks & feature of West Stow Sewage Works which occupied Trails PUMPHOUSE ROUTE (YELLOW ROUTE): the eastern half of the Park in the first half of the “Discover one of West Stow’s former glories”… as you stroll through 2.5km of 20th century. Sewage was piped all the way from parkland and along the Lark. Bury St Edmunds and pumped into settling beds. • What can you see? Only the boilers remain inside the Grade II listed Discover the main survivor of the former sewage farm, a Victorian pumphouse, whilst building. you spot Trout, Moorhens and other aquatic life along the Lark. CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND CYCLING IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK • Did you know? The red brick Victorian pumping station was built to distribute 300,000 gallons of Our professionally designed playground in the main car park Siskins Great- Maiden Pinks Visiting cyclists are welcome in the Park though there are currently no cycle routes sewage which arrived every day through a gravity-fed pipeline from Bury St Edmunds. caters for all ages, from toddlers to teens. There are also Pussy Willow Crested Cinnabar on the site. We have cycle racks outside the Visitor Centre and a waymarked, cycling- two climbing rocks and a den-building area nearby. Snowdrops Grebes Moth friendly 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail (the 'Brecks Trail') between West Stow Country Park and Brandon Country Park. LAKE WALK (PURPLE ROUTE): Long-Tailed Blackcaps Caterpillars THE VISITOR CENTRE, PICNIC AREA & CAFE Tits Orange Tips Grass Snakes Please note: The paths from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre are narrow so cyclists “Venture around a landscaped lake”… created through sand and gravel extraction on the floodplain, as you wander through 3.5km of heath and wetland. The timber clad Visitor Centre was built in 1988 and houses the shop, reception are asked to dismount in the Car Park and walk to the Centre/Café. area and an archaeology gallery. Picnic benches are available for use in front of • What can you see? the building among the conifers which provide welcome shade in the summer. PLEASE REMEMBER: If you’re lucky, you might spot a Kingfisher pop over from Lackford Lakes, but watch Barn Owls Blackthorn Hobbies out also for Egyptian Geese and hundreds of toads as you encounter our majestic No camping* THE ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE Bramblings Blossom Four-Spotted • wetland. Grey Herons One of the main attractions of the site, the Anglo- Great- Chasers • Guard against all risks of fire - no barbecues* • Did you know? Bullfinches Saxon Village, comprises of several reconstructed Spotted Yellow Flags • Keep dogs under control at all times The river Lark was once navigable as far as Bury St Edmunds. It was an important buildings on the site of an original settlement. Woodpeckers Brimstones Comfrey trade route and, in its heyday, numerous barges carried coal upriver from King's Lynn. Each house has been built using traditional materials • Put your litter in the bins or take it home Jays BEOWULF & GRENDEL TRAIL: and methods based on the evidence found there. Heather • Protect and respect wildlife, plants and trees They all differ in design to reflect what they may Grey Redwings “Embark on a journey through Anglo-Saxon folkore”… Harebells * Members of the fishing syndicate are permitted have resembled when they were occupied in Squirrels Tawny Owls with this interactive trail of the Beowulf and Grendel to stay overnight and use stoves on the lake Anglo-Saxon times. Red Fly Agarics story. Admirals Muntjacs Acorns • What can you see? NATURE BEYOND WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK: At each storyboard lose yourself with part of the Look out for Buzzards drifting overhead and listen for Nuthatches, Great-Spotted story and encounter a chapter frozen in time. Woodpeckers and Goldcrests in the trees around the Visitor Centre. In winter, You can visit ... Common Blackberries Did you know? the bird feeders attract many species, including Bramblings and Siskins. On the • Lizards Giant Roe Deer Brandon Country Park heathland, there are Linnets and Green Woodpeckers and • You can upgrade your experience with an Adventure Beewolf Puffballs Kingfishers with a bit of luck, you could also see a Barn Owl or Roe- Fullers Mill Gardens Trail to discover the Trail and the Tale’s runes and Wasps Craneflies Green • Deer. In Spring, look out for displaying Great-Crested activity sheets, available from the Visitor Centre. Common Woodpeckers Lackford Lakes Grebes and hundreds of toads in the lake. Roesel’s • Darter BRECKS TRAIL: Bush-Crickets • King's Forest In summer, the sounds of crickets fill the air and This route is a 14 mile (22.5km) linear trail between West Stow Country Park and numerous butterflies and dragonflies are on the • Cavenham Heath Brandon Country Park, catering for walkers, cyclists and with sections suitable for wing. The rare Maiden Pink still grows in a few areas horse-riding. of the park and heather is particularly spectacular in DOGS IN WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK TRAILS IN THE PARK August. Autumn sees the first winter birds arriving Dogs are welcome in the Park, but please comply with the advisory signs which state All the trails start at the front of the Visitor Centre and are waymarked with coloured The Brecks Trail passes through open heathlands, forest and agricultural land. There to feed on the numerous berries. Fungi such as Fly where and when your dog must be kept on a lead. Please also clear up after your dog. arrows (see site map). The free-draining soil and predominantly level ground means are many points of interest along the route including Thetford Forest, the Elveden Agaric and Shaggy Inkcap can be seen and listen out Please note: Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed into the Anglo-Saxon they are accessible to wheelchair users; the only inclines of note occur along the two Monument and the King George V Monument. Trail leaflets are available for free in for the roaring of Red Deer Stags and Muntjac, barking. Village. paths leading to and from the river on the Yellow Route. the Visitor Centre.

of the Park, then north through Thetford Forest. Thetford through north then Park, the of

•

Icknield Way Icknield – a long distance path which passes along the eastern edge edge eastern the along passes which path distance long a –

Brandon.

•

St Edmunds Way Way Edmunds St to Manningtree from runs which route distance long a –

Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall. and Edmunds St Bury

•

Lark Valley Path Valley Lark – a 13mile (20km) walk following the river valley between between valley river the following walk (20km) 13mile a –

Park via Thetford Forest. Thetford via Park

•

Brecks Trail Brecks – a walking/cycling/horse-riding route to Brandon Country Country Brandon to route walking/cycling/horse-riding a –

Other trails which pass through and from the Park: the from and through pass which trails Other INTO THE WILD: UNEARTHING THE PAST:

settlers arrived and cleared the trees using flint axes. They then years ago. Tens of thousands of flint tools dating from the Mesolithic and.

WALK LAKE : ROUTE PURPLE )

( the older word ‘breck’ which was used to describe an unenclosed

parkland and along the Lark. the along and parkland area of abandoned arable land. Did you know…?

PUMPHOUSE ROUTE ROUTE PUMPHOUSE : YELLOW ROUTE YELLOW Did you know…? ) ( a deep black flint, the flint could have

Frosts can occur in any month of the been mined from Grimes Graves.

Heath. year in Breckland.

NATURE TRAIL TRAIL NATURE : ROUTE RED ) ( The sandy, unstable soils not only was introduced to the area and

made farming difficult but also someone, probably of status, was

Lake Walk Lake

Allow 50 - 60mins - 50 Allow

1.86ml / 3.5km 3.5km / 1.86ml resulted in serious erosion and buried in the centre of a ring ditch with

Pumphouse Route Pumphouse Allow 40 - 50mins - 40 Allow 2.5km / 1.55ml frequent ‘sandblows’. In the 19th a carved stone bead and surrounded by

century, the planting of Scots Pine Nature Trail Nature Allow 30 - 40mins - 30 Allow 1.5km / 0.93ml over forty cremation burials. Iron Age people

shelterbelts helped reduce sandblows. continued farming the land and left evidence

coloured arrows. arrows. coloured We still have similar shelterbelt planting

in the Country Park today.