The Norfolk Broads
The Broads are England’s largest protected wetland area. The broads were formed by peat digging, and when the water level rose the peat pits filled with water- most of the broads are less than 12 foot deep, and the reeds are still commonly used to thatch houses.
 |
The Broads are a network of mostly navigable rivers and lakes (known locally as broads) in the English counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. The Broads and some surrounding land was constituted as a special area with a level of protection similar to a national park by The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act of 1988. The Broads Authority, a Special Statutory Authority responsible for managing the area, became operational in 1989. |
The total area, the majority of which is in Norfolk, is 303 km², with over 200 km of navigable waterways. There are seven rivers and about fifty broads, mostly less than twelve feet deep. Out of fifty or so broads, only thirteen are generally open to navigation, with a further three having navigable channels. Some broads have navigation restrictions imposed on them in autumn and winter.
 |
The navigatable water ways making the area very popular with boat owners, and you can also rent boats by the hour, day or week. Yachting and other water sports are also popular, with many centres offering hire or tuition.
|
 |
The Norfolk Broads is a fascinating area with a rich history, reflected in the many wonderful places to visit and the unique wildlife. The broads are home to a wealth of wildlife including rare insects, deer and otters, but the most common wild life attraction is the birds which include the Grey Heron, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Bittern and Cormorant. The broads are scattered with bird reserves and the whole of Norfolk is very popular for bird watching, with different species living in the counties many varied habitats. There are restored windmills, medieval churches, beautiful gardens and great places for family visits.
If you enjoy walking or cycling, there are also many routes to choose from.
WROXHAM BROAD - Just a few miles from Moorsticks, the village of Wroxham is the sailing capital of the Norfolk Broads - and the home to "Roy's of Wroxham" stores. The Broad itself is about 1.5 miles from the village centre, and the home of the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club.
OULTON BROAD is known as the Southern Gateway to the Broads. It is one of the few inhabited broads, with houses to the north and flats to the east. Home of the Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre
HICKLING BROAD is a National Nature Reserve established by English Nature and in the care of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Hickling has the largest reed-bed in England and many rare species of flora and fauna.
BREYDON WATER is a large tidal estuary at Great Yarmouth. It is a European Union Special Protection Area (SPA) due to the birdlife - over 32,000 lapwings arrive every year! The Water is overlooked by a Roman garrison. |
