The Brecks is known to support 28% of the UK’s rarest species in just 0.4% of its land mass, but has experienced extraordinary change including loss of species and habitats in the last 60 years. Despite being celebrated for its outstanding biodiversity, Thompson Common exists in isolation in a landscape largely devoted to intensive agriculture, and as a result has become increasingly disconnected from the wider Brecks landscape. This remains the greatest threat to the site and its rare wildlife.

We have a remarkable opportunity to expand and protect Thompson Common by purchasing 59ha of land adjacent to the site. Here we can unlock huge ecological potential by: Re-establishing species-rich grasslands present in the 18th century, taking the land back to its past to increase its resilience in the future Recreating lost pingo ponds and enhancing existing ones to rebuild a rare wetland landscape and create additional habitat Restoring a missing link in a network of vital Brecks habitat.