The Norfolk Broads are a protected wetland run by the Broads Authority and are designated as a National Park and an area of outstanding natural beauty. The man-made broads offer an ideal venue for all nature lovers as the area is said to be home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the country.
The Main Rivers Weave Through the Wetlands
There are three main rivers, the Yare, the Waveney, and the Bure, although the River Wensum, the River Ant, the Chet and Thurne also make an appearance. The rivers meander and interconnect throughout the area of wetland, passing through large and small broads as they make their way down across a large expanse of water known as Breydon Water, and finally out to the North Sea.
There are approximately twenty broads large enough to sustain sailing boats, but also other smaller broads and areas navigable by small boats such as rowing boats or canoes.
Origins of the Norfolk Broads
The broads were originally the result of peat cutting in the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries and not natural lakes as had been thought for many years. Consequently, the broads are quite shallow with many only a few feet deep.
There are many companies operating hire boats and day boat hire, and the broads are humming during the summer months as the many motor boats chug up and down the rivers visiting the tiny villages that surround the broads.
There are, however, still quiet areas of the broads where the wildlife thrives. One area in particular, Halvergate Marshes, is only accessible by boat. The area is well managed and there are many frequent instructional walks and events organised by the Broads Authority to instruct the public on the local animal and bird life, as well as investigating the history of the broads. Reed and rush cutting, for example, or even eel catching.
For those not comfortable on the water but keen to see the broads close at hand, there are many cottages and cabins available for hire, where it is possible to watch the boating world pass by as many have river frontage.
Occasionally there will be signs of times gone by. The Norfolk Wherry, for example, is often seen sailing majestically along the rivers, barely casting a ripple in its wake.
The Norfolk Broads are a place of quiet and relaxation, where it is possible to get close to nature, hear the gentle lap of the water, watch the Great Crested Grebes as they duck and dive, see the graceful Heron, and if very lucky, see the artful Kingfisher.
Whether touring the broads by boat, staying in a cabin, camping, caravaning, or a day visitor, the Norfolk Broads have something special to offer.
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