A scheme that will deliver a host of “exciting” projects in the Breckland area has been boosted by a £1.5million Heritage Lottery grant – the biggest of its kind so far in Suffolk.

The county council and the Breaking New Ground (BNG) Landscape Partnership Board successfully applied for the Landscape Partnership funding, which will go towards a £2.2million project to benefit the Brecks landscape, heritage and communities.

The restoration of the Pump House at Brandon Country Park by West Suffolk College students, and its development as a volunteer centre for the Brecks, is among the 37 individual projects in the scheme, which will be delivered over the next three years.

Lisa Chambers, BNG chairman and deputy leader of Suffolk County Council said: “As a result of this award, the partnership will be able to carry out a great number of exciting projects.

“These will include the creation of a conservation volunteer centre, walking and cycling trails, heritage interpretation that tells the story of the Brecks and new training opportunities. This is excellent news for the Brecks and Suffolk as a whole.”

Norfolk and Suffolk Wildlife Trusts will work with schools to promote the importance of the Brecks habitats and the skills to manage these areas for the future.

The Breckland Society and the UEA will carry out extensive new research and landscape heritage interpretation projects, and wide-ranging new access opportunities will be created to allow more people to enjoy the area.

The scheme will create new skills training opportunities in landscape and built heritage conservation, as well as running arts courses and some fun community celebration events.

Breaking New Ground will be hosted by Suffolk County Council in the heart of the area at Brandon Country Park.

Richard Smith, cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning said: “Suffolk County Council is delighted to receive this important Heritage Lottery Grant, which is the biggest of its kind in the county to date.

“We look forward to playing the leading role in delivering many exciting new landscape heritage and community projects in the Brecks area.”

The scheme will concentrate on a 253sqkm area within the Brecks including Brandon and Thetford. This area encompasses a unique landscape in Britain with an incredible and much overlooked heritage and biodiversity.