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Welcome to the Broads Society Blog Page
Step into the world of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads through our engaging and informative blog. Here, we bring you closer to the fascinating stories, hidden gems, and vibrant community life that make the Broads an extraordinary place. Our blog is a celebration of nature, heritage, and the passionate efforts of those who strive to protect this unique landscape.
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Inclusive Access to the Norfolk Broads: A Q&A with the Chair of the Broads Society
Mark Collins shares his perspective on access, inclusion and the future of the Broads Access to the Broads isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about who feels welcome, who can take part, and who gets to experience one of the UK’s most special landscapes. This is a conversation that affects all of us — whether we live here, work here, or simply love visiting. Following a recent Society Supper discussion on access, our Chair, Mark Collins, shares his perspective on why a
Broads Society
2 days ago3 min read
Rivers at Risk
National parks in England and Wales, including the Broads, encompass some of the most biodiverse and important rivers in the country. But new research shows they are being failed by government and water regulators and are now under threat.
Broads Society
Sep 16, 20254 min read
The fascinating world of water voles
A Water Voles study and survey by Hannah Southon of the Broads Authority, Norfolk.
Broads Society
Aug 18, 20255 min read
SHOULD PET FLEA TREATMENTS BE REGULATED?
Flea and Tick treatments for dogs and cats that contain imidacloprid or fipronil are highly effective, but must be used with great care.
Broads Society
Jul 21, 20254 min read
RARE BLUE BUTTERFLY NOW THRIVING IN ITS FORMER HOME
Re-locating three dozen Silver-studded blue butterflies - a conservation success in the Broadland Country Park.
Broads Society
Jul 7, 20253 min read
HELP US CELEBRATE WORLD PEATLANDS DAY!
The Broads are recognised internationally as one of Europe's most important wetlands.
Broads Society
Jun 2, 20254 min read
Wildlife Watch with Jerry
Barton Broad, Black Terns and Bitterns Jerry Simpson Black tern in flight. Credit: RSPB.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/Black-tern The beginning of May is always an exciting time for birdwatchers, as it marks the period when migration brings the potential for anything to turn up in your local patch. Over the years, I have looked forward to the chance of seeing one of my favourite terns, the Black Tern (Chilidonias niger), appearing on Barton Broad as it passes through. During sprin
Broads Society
May 17, 20253 min read
Wildlife Watch with Jerry
St Mark's flies and Little Gulls.
The first of Jerry Simpson's Wildlife Notes for the Broads Society.
Broads Society
Apr 28, 20253 min read
Precious jewels of the Broads: chalk rivers, streams and other rarities
Precious jewels of the Broads: chalk rivers, streams and other rarities
Broads Society
Mar 24, 20254 min read
Floating Pennywort – could a weevil solve the problem in the Broads?
Floating pennywort, introduced in the 1980s, spread in UK waters despite a 2014 ban. Now invasive, it costs over £25M annually to control.
Broads Society
Mar 6, 20252 min read
National Parks Left Exposed: Concerns Mount Over New Water Pollution Legislation
Campaigners warn new water laws fail to protect National Parks like the Broads from sewage pollution, despite planned investment.
Broads Society
Jan 29, 20254 min read
Protecting the Precious Wetlands of the Broads: Challenges and Solutions
Broads flooding and rising water levels often make the news for how they affect bridge clearances and moorings. However, these rising water levels are also having a serious impact on the unique wildlife that makes the Broads so special. Social and traditional media often oversimplify the situation, framing boating and conservation as separate issues. In reality, they are strongly linked and support each other in many ways. Understanding what drives the water levels in the Bro
Broads Society
Dec 18, 20245 min read
Pike Behaviour in the Broads
"Discover the long-awaited study on Broads pike! Anglers help scientists unveil pike behaviour, confirming anglers' concerns.
Broads Society
Sep 26, 20243 min read
Another Broads Authority Consultation: Why does it make a difference?
Engaging in consultations may feel like just another task on your long list of thing to do. However, when it comes to the Broads Authority consultations, your voice truly matters. These consultations are more than a formality—they are a key part of shaping the future of the Broads, ensuring that decisions reflect the diverse perspectives of the community. Why Responding Matters Give the Community a Voice The Broads is not just a unique landscape; it's a living, breathing co
Broads Society
Aug 30, 20242 min read
MUCH LOVED BUT, OH DEER, ARE WE TOO MANY?
The deer population in the Broads has surged, delighting visitors but causing issues locally
Broads Society
Jun 10, 20243 min read
"The State of the Broads in the Family of National Parks"
Due to family bereavement, Rose O'Neill is now unavailable, and the Broads Society is pleased to introduce: Nick Hall, Political Affairs and Campaigns Manager Campaign for National Parks “The State of the Broads in the Family of National Parks” An illustrated talk to be followed by an interactive discussion, chaired by Dr Mark Collins, Chair of the Broads Society. 3:00pm to 5:00pm, Thursday 11th April. The Auditorium, The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TF S
Broads Society
Mar 11, 20241 min read
NAVIGATION AND THE BROADS
The Broads have a distinguished heritage in maintaining navigation. It’s the only member of the national park family that has such a long, navigable and tidal inland waterway running through it, which is why the Broads were late to the party in getting full UK protection status. In fact, an international treaty, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, led the way, listing parts of the Broads way back in 1971. Later on, the Broads were protected unde
Broads Society
Mar 7, 20247 min read
The Perch: A Natural Jewel of the Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads, a haven for remarkable wildlife, proudly hosts the European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) among its most captivating inhabitants. Beneath the surface of its waters, the perch emerges as a visual spectacle, its body a lush green canvas streaked with bold, dark vertical bars, and its fins a fiery red. More than just a feast for the eyes, the perch embodies the resilience and adaptability of freshwater fish. Despite facing near extinction in the Broads during the
Broads Society
Mar 5, 20244 min read
The Impact of Herring Bridge on River Flow Dynamics at Great Yarmouth
The construction of Herring Bridge at Great Yarmouth has sparked discussions about its impact on the river's ability to flow freely to the sea. For some, the bridge has been an easy target to blame for the flooding in the Broads this winter. In the busy world of social media, lots of different ideas on this subject have been shared, but they are not always correct or complete. For example, the new bridge has reduced the river's width by one-third, but rarely noted is the fact
Broads Society
Feb 17, 20246 min read
Broads Flooding Meeting - Hickling 2nd February 2024
Hundreds gathered at Hickling Community Barn on Friday 2nd February for a critical meeting to confront the escalating flooding crisis. The event, which fell on World Wetlands Day, marked a pivotal moment, drawing community members, experts, and officials together to face the mounting challenges. The meticulous planning of the event by Duncan Baker MP and his team, which spanned months, was reflected in the presentations by the diverse panel, drawn from the Internal Drainage B
Broads Society
Feb 6, 20242 min read
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