Pine trees in Gooderstone Warren

Image: © Evelyn Simak Taken: 17 Jan 2010

What at first glance looks like water in the distance is a field covered with polythene. In recent years farmers have started to grow a variety of crops such as maize, potatoes, carrots and sunflowers under polythene which helps to warm up the soil and make the plants germinate earlier than they would do under normal conditions. As a result the crops can be sown and consequently harvested earlier making them less dependent from weather conditions. The strip of pine trees grows alongside a track in Gooderstone Warren, serving as a windbreak and offering shelter to wildlife. From October 1916 to November 1918 the area known as Gooderstone Warren used to be an airfield used by the RAF. The land has since been returned to agriculture, some of it has been designated an SSSI. The area is traversed by former access roads and runways, many of them are public rights of way. Gooderstone Warren lies towards the north-western edge of Breckland and its sandy soils are typical for the region. Turf is present along the southern edge of heathland which is grazed by rabbits and supports a number of chalk grassland plants which are uncommon in East Anglia.

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