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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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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
Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail
Sail on a Wherry Yacht and a visit to one of Norfolk's hidden gems.
Hoverton Great Broad Nature Trail.
Broads Society
Aug 4, 20253 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
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
"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
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
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
Innovative Conservation Strategies in the Broads: Balancing Nature and Human Activities
When discussing conservation in the Broads, the first thing to remember is that this is not a natural environment. If it was, we could leave it alone, and it would thrive in its own equilibrium. But because it is largely man-made and has been maintained for human purposes for hundreds of years, if it were left to its own devices the broads and rivers would silt up, woodland would encroach, and much of the area would revert to swamp. Clearly, this is not what is needed. The ba
Broads Society
Feb 1, 20244 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
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