BrecSoc ‘Rivers’ Projects

The Breckland Society is one of the organisations participating in the Brecks Fen Edges and Rivers (BFER) Heritage Landscape Partnership, principally funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The partnership runs until the end of 2025.

BrecSoc will be taking the lead on two of the 20+ BFER projects:

The first project, River Raiders is now under way, and we invite you to  take part.

The project is being delivered by the Breckland Society as part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers (BFER) Landscape Partnership scheme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. For more information on the project and the wider scheme, including other exciting projects and opportunities to get involved, visit www/brecks.org/bfer
During the next six months the project will explore the history and impact of the Vikings in the Brecks through research and fieldwork delivered by volunteers. Particularly significant events, such as the martyrdom of King Edmund at the hands of the Vikings, will be high on the agenda, but less-well known factors, such as the role the Vikings played in the establishment and development of Thetford, will also be explored.
Project activities will include virtual training in archaeological and historical research skills and practical fieldwork (adapted to comply with the new ‘Rule of Six’) and will result in the publication of an illustrated report, the installation of an interpretation panel and creation of online resources. Volunteers will also have a role in curating a Viking-themed exhibition to be held at Thetford Ancient House Museum.

As with all National Lottery funded projects, the participation of volunteers is absolutely key. So if you think you might like to take part in some project activities, please email our Secretary to register your interest.

We will announce all of the events for these two projects on the main BrecSoc events page, where you will also be able to book to attend. In the light of the current Covid-19 restrictions, these will be a mixture of online presentations via Zoom, socially distanced field events, and volunteers, either singly or in small groups, carrying out research via online databases such as the Norfolk and Suffolk Historic Environment Records and visits to museum collections.