Latest News

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.

Floating pennywort, introduced in the 1980s, spread in UK waters despite a 2014 ban. Now invasive, it costs over £25M annually to control.

Campaigners warn new water laws fail to protect National Parks like the Broads from sewage pollution, despite planned investment.

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

"Discover the long-awaited study on Broads pike! Anglers help scientists unveil pike behaviour, confirming anglers' concerns.

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

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

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

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

For hundreds of years knowledge and understanding of the Broads and its ecology was passed down from farmers, marshmen and countrymen to their children. Before the arrival of large machines, the Broads were managed by men and women who watched the weather and seasons, studied the wildlife and plants and understood the land they managed. Their children had space to explore and they also understood the environment. Life is very different in the 21st Century. Fewer people are em

In this blog, we explore the current state of water quality in the Norfolk Broads, the factors affecting it, and the ongoing protection.

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