Natural England - The Broads

The Broads

England’s very special wetland, the Broads has status equivalent to a National Park. It was designated under the Broads Act 1988 (updated by the Broads Authority Act 2009). This atmospheric landscape is a firm favourite for boating holidays and is one of England’s finest wildlife areas.

Reed cutter on The Broads © Patrick Sutherland

Reed cutting © Patrick Sutherland

Five main rivers flow through the Broads, making the area resemble the fingers of a giant hand. It is an enchanted land of mysterious fens; slow, winding waterways; wet, tangled woodlands and acres of marshes.

Water and land seem to merge on these flood plains, which stretch from Norwich in the west to the sea at Great Yarmouth in the east. There are 60 or so broads and other waterbodies. It is hard to believe that the broads are man-made - the flooded remains of peat pits dug out in medieval times to provide fuel. In the 14th century these peat digs flooded and became part of an extensive communication network for transporting fuel, building materials and livestock, while the surrounding fens provided roofing materials - reed and sedge for thatch.

Many of the shallow, reed-fringed lakes are connected to the river by dykes, providing safe, lock-free navigation for about 200km. Water levels in some places are still managed today by a network of drainage equipment including water pumps. Around 70 traditional drainage mills survive today - providing iconic cultural interest in this vast, open landscape.

Spectacular wildlife includes species such as kingfishers, marsh harriers, a growing population of bitterns, otters, swallowtail butterflies, the norfolk hawker dragonfly, fen orchid and holly-leaved naiad.

The Broads is one of the most lightly populated designations, settlements are often grouped around a parish staithe (mooring place), riverside common or bridge, with isolated churches normally located on the surrounding uplands or promontories. Agriculture is a significant part of the Broads landscape and economy, taking advantage of its flat and fertile river valleys.

Local skills, knowledge and trades are important ways of supporting the local economy and providing a long term solution to maintaining and enhancing this unique landscape. Reed and sedge cutting remains a traditional and environmentally friendly industry which supports the maintenance of reedbeds, wetland biodiversity and contributes to the distinctive character of local buildings. People involved in other traditional trades include boat builders, marshmen, thatchers, millwrights and eel-catchers.

One of the best ways to see the Broads is undoubtedly by boat and there are many options available including historic sailing boats called wherries (originally built as cargo boats), almost silent electric passenger and day hire boats, and the Broads Authority’s solar powered trip boat, Ra. Today there are over 12,000 licensed boats using the Broads with craft ranging from canoes and rowing boats through to large commercial passenger vessels. 

Other popular activities include fishing, walking, cycling and bird-watching. Many miles of footpath as well as wooden walkways over marshy ground lead to hides overlooking broads. How Hill, the Norfolk Broads Study Centre near Ludham, offers day and residential educational courses as well as holiday courses.

Over the next century the Broads will continue to change, with the greatest challenge likely to be the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.

Contact

Broads Authority, Dragonfly House, 2 Gilders Way, Norwich NR3 1UB
Tel: 01603 610734,  Fax:  01603 756069
Email:  broads@broads-authority.gov.uk

Further information