How We Make a Difference
The practical ways we champion, protect and support the Broads
Working with people, partners and communities
to protect the Broads for the future
While our Areas of Work describe what we focus on — Heritage, Environment and Recreation — this page explains how we translate those priorities into meaningful, lasting impact.
Our work spans advocacy, policy input, conservation, community action, funding and visitor engagement.
Together, these strands help us protect the landscape, support local organisations, empower volunteers and inspire visitors.
Advocacy & Campaigning
We speak up for the long-term protection and wellbeing of the Broads.
Our advocacy work focuses on the issues that affect the landscape, wildlife, heritage, water quality and the overall enjoyment of the Broads.
We work constructively with national bodies, partners and government to ensure that decisions reflect the Broads’ national importance — and its value to both people and nature.
We support a balanced approach that recognises:
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the importance of waterways for boating and recreation
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the need to protect wildlife and fragile habitats
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the broader public benefits of a healthy, accessible landscape
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the need for sustainable investment in the Broads’ future
By raising awareness, promoting thoughtful discussion and encouraging collaborative solutions, we help ensure the Broads continues to thrive.
To see the issues we’re currently working on, follow us on Facebook where we share updates on campaigns, planning matters and opportunities to get involved in the conversation.
Planning & Policy Input
As a statutory consultee, we review all planning applications and policy proposals that may affect the Broads.
We also consider proposals from neighbouring councils where they may impact the wider Broads area.
Our aim is simple: to support development that is sustainable, sensitive and respectful of the area’s special character.
We work to ensure planning decisions:
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enhance rather than harm the landscape
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support local communities
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protect wildlife and heritage
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maintain the unique sense of place that defines the Broads
Our independent voice helps shape the future of the Broads, ensuring decisions are informed, balanced and protect its long-term character.
Our Practical Programmes
Alongside advocacy and planning, we deliver our work through three key strands that connect people, place and purpose.
Broads Guardians
Supporting community-led projects that protect and enhance the Broads.
Broads Guardians provides funding and support to local groups delivering projects that care for the Broads.
This might include helping children experience the waterways for the first time, improving habitats, supporting environmental initiatives or enabling community-led ideas to take shape.
We work alongside others rather than leading every project ourselves — helping turn local ideas into meaningful action.
We also run a small number of focused projects each year where we can create targeted impact.
Love the Broads
Love the Broads is our visitor-giving initiative — a partnership with local tourism businesses and visitors who want to give something back to this incredible place.
The funds raised support conservation and community projects across the Broads, helping deliver work through our Broads Guardians programme.
Discovery Hubs
Helping people access and explore the Broads with confidence, curiosity and care.
Our Discovery Hubs provide interpretation, wildlife information, heritage insights, dark skies points and sustainable travel guidance.
They help visitors understand not just where they are, but why the Broads is so extraordinary.
Each hub strengthens connections between people and the landscape.
Why this matters
These combined approaches allow us to make a meaningful difference across the Broads.
Through advocacy, planning and practical programmes, we:
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protect wildlife and natural habitats
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influence decisions that shape the future of the Broads
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support community-led projects
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enable more people to experience and enjoy the Broads
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promote responsible, sustainable use of the landscape
This is how we ensure the Broads remains a thriving, protected and much-loved place — now and for generations to come.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with news, events and the projects shaping the future of the Broads. Sign up to receive updates straight to your inbox. Members also receive our magazine Harnser.