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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
Barton Regatta 2025
The Norfolk Punt Club was established in 1926, and is still attracting young sailors to race on Barton Broad waters.
Here is Edward's review of this year's Regatta.
Broads Society
Sep 15, 20254 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
FOURTH ‘DISCOVERY HUB’ COMPLETED AT GT YARMOUTH
The fourth Broads Society Discovery Hub, situated in Great Yarmouth - near the Yacht Station. Installed and ready for launch this August.
Broads Society
Jun 16, 20253 min read
THE BROADS SOCIETY SUPPORTS THE NATIONWIDE RLSS “DON’T DRINK AND DROWN” CAMPAIGN
Royal Life Saving Society UK campaign aiming to reduce drownings related to alcohol and drugs.
Encouraging everyone to take responsibility, keeping themselves, friends and family, safe whilst enjoying watersports.
Broads Society
Apr 10, 20252 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
Increase Broads Tourism Through the Port of Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth's potential as a key access point to the Broads is untapped due to poor facilities. Improving access, safety, and amenities c
Broads Society
Aug 27, 20243 min read
“SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?”: KEEPING A BOAT ON THE BROADS – IS IT ANY LONGER VALUE FOR MONEY?
Explore whether it's still cost-effective to keep a boat on the Broads amid rising tolls and restricted access, with insights from the Broom
Broads Society
Apr 21, 20246 min read
CHALLENGES FOR LEISURE CRAFT PASSING THROUGH GT YARMOUTH PORT
Introduction This paper sets out the challenges, risks and potential mitigation measures for leisure boat owners seeking access from the Norfolk Broads to the North Sea and back to the Broads, where their boats are usually moored. It has been prepared by the Broads Society and the Broom Owners Club, with additional support from other contributors, and builds on some concerns recently published by the Broads Society here . The authors express their collective concerns about th
Broads Society
Mar 26, 20243 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
Walking in the Broads: Martham and West Somerton
This pleasant 6-mile walk starts from the village sign on the green in Martham. The village is on a regular bus route from Great Yarmouth. (Explorer map OL40 G/R TG 457180). Martham surrounds a large green bordered by several Georgian houses and containing two duck ponds. There has been a village here since the Saxons settled here around AD 601. The large St Mary's Church in the middle of the village is known as the Cathedral of the Fleggs due to its size and rich interior. T
Broads Society
Feb 7, 20243 min read
The Broads and Well-being: A Natural Sanctuary
Today marks World Wetlands Day , and in 2024 we are celebrating the huge impact that wetlands have on human wellbeing. Wetlands, are not simply breath taking parts of our natural landscape but also critical ecosystems providing numerous benefits. These unique areas, where water and land intricately intertwine, are vital for the health of our environment and significantly impact human well-being. Among these precious ecosystems, the Broads, the largest of the UK protected fres
Broads Society
Feb 2, 20245 min read
The Economic Value of Wetlands: Insights from the Broads
A Treasure of Nature and Economy The Broads is not just a haven for wildlife and a place of natural beauty, but also a vital cog in the economic engine of the region. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, it's crucial to shed light on the variety of ways these wetlands contribute to our economy. Tourism The Broads serene waterways, diverse wildlife, and lush landscapes, attract around 7 million visitors each year, drawn to the tranquillity and unique experiences they offer. Thi
Broads Society
Jan 30, 20245 min read
Recreation and Its Impact on the Broads
It comes as no surprise that the most important form of recreation on the Broads is boating. It takes many different forms, including sailing, motorboating (which is by far the most popular) and self-propelled versions of boating such as rowing, paddle boarding and canoeing. It also provides half or more of the funds required by the Broads Authority to run the area designated as a National Park. We know the Broads is a nationally important area for wildlife, but does boating
Broads Society
Jan 28, 20244 min read
Balancing Human Activity and Wetland Conservation in the Broads
The Broads, a breath taking landscape of wetlands and waterways, is a sanctuary for some of the UK's rarest species and a testament to the harmony between vibrant biodiversity and human activity. Attracting over seven million visitors annually and contributing an estimated £490 million to the local economy, this unique landscape is tasked with the intricate challenge of balancing ecological preservation with human enterprise. Recognized as one of Europe's most significant wet
Broads Society
Jan 25, 20246 min read
Connecting People and Wetlands: How People Use the Broads
The Broads is not just a haven of ecological marvels; it seamlessly blending preservation with leisure and sustenance.
Broads Society
Jan 23, 20246 min read
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