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Latest News
Updates from across our work in the Broads
Keeping you up to date
Here you’ll find stories and updates from across the Broads Society’s work — from conservation projects and funding awards, to volunteer activities, Discovery Hub progress, community partnerships, advocacy updates and more.
We’ll add new stories whenever there’s something meaningful to share.
Check back from time to time to see what’s happening across the landscape.



MUCH LOVED BUT, OH DEER, ARE WE TOO MANY?
The deer population in the Broads has surged, delighting visitors but causing issues locally
Jun 10, 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
Apr 21, 20246 min read


WORK TOGETHER AND FUNDBRITAIN’S WATERWAYS
Join the Broads Society rally at Acle Bridge to support sustainable funding for the Broads. Defra's core grant falls short of toll income,
Apr 15, 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
Mar 26, 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
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
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
Mar 5, 20244 min read


TOLLS ON THE BROADS AND OTHER INLAND WATERWAYS
More than 200 navigation authorities look after Britain’s inland waterways. All of these have regulations governing access; many require a licence for boating, using the income to maintain waterway infrastructure. In the case of the Broads Authority, an annual toll is charged, as required by the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. There are 12,000 boats and over 8,000 boat owners who pay these tolls to enjoy over 200km of navigable tidal rivers and more than 60 moorings in t
Mar 1, 20247 min read


Walking in The Broads - Hardley Staithe
Our "Walking in the Broads" series continues with this lovely 4-mile walk which starts from the parking area at Hardley Staithe (Explorer Map OL40 G/R TG388012). Hardley village can be reached from Chedgrave, which is on a good bus route between Norwich and Lowestoft but about two miles distant, via Hardley Road. The route of the walk goes through Hardley Street with its pretty cottages. It then visits St Margaret’s Church, Hardley, with its Norman round tower and 15th centu
Feb 29, 20242 min read


History of Simpsons Boatyard
The businesses at the site of our boatyard have, over the last 100 years been, severally, known as: Southgate Bros; Southgate Bros Yachting Station; Stalham Yachting Station; Stalham Yacht Services; Moonfleet and, now, Simpson's Boatyard. Before 1945 I believe Josiah Cubitt Teasel (1831-1906) was the first person to run a boating business from the current site of Simpson's Boatyard although the site then was considerably smaller. Teasel was born at Riddlington and was origina
Feb 19, 20249 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
Feb 17, 20246 min read


Between River and Reed: The Role of Pike in Norfolk's Aquatic Ecosystem
Broads Pike Swimming below the surface of Norfolk Broads, the Northern pike (Esox lucius) commands the waterways with a quiet, dignified presence. This majestic predator is deeply intertwined with the ecological and cultural fabric of this unique landscape. The Norfolk Broads labyrinth of rivers, lakes, and marshes serve as ideal habitat for the pike. The pike's journey through the waterways of the Norfolk Broads is not just a recent phenomenon but a saga deeply rooted in hi
Feb 11, 20247 min read
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