Our Story
How a shared love of the Broads became a movement to protect it.
The Broads Society was founded in 1956 by a group of people who recognised something important: the Broads is a landscape unlike anywhere else, and it needs active, long-term care to protect its beauty, heritage and wildlife.
What began as a small group of passionate advocates has grown into a charity with members, volunteers and partners all working towards the same goal — safeguarding the future of Britain’s most extraordinary wetland.
Why We Exist
The Broads faces constant pressures: environmental change, loss of habitats, increased visitor demand, and the need to maintain access for recreation while protecting delicate ecosystems.
Our role is to champion the landscape, raise awareness of the issues it faces, support communities and projects making a difference, and ensure the Broads remain a place people can access easily and enjoy responsibly for generations to come.
Without active care and advocacy, this unique landscape — and everything that depends on it — would be at risk.
What We Stand For
We believe the Broads should be:
A Landscape Shaped by People
The Broads may look wild, but its story has always been intertwined with people — from medieval peat diggers to boat builders, conservation volunteers, families on holiday, artists, anglers, sailors and birdwatchers.
We honour this history by supporting projects that preserve the past, protect the present and inspire the future.
Our Commitment Today
We are proud to champion the Broads through:
✓ Advocacy that ensures citizens who live in and visit the Broads can have their voices heard
✓ Conservation and access grants and visitor-giving through Love the Broads
✓ Community action projects supported by Broads Guardians
✓ Information, guidance, access and sustainable travel through our Discovery Hubs
✓ Partnerships with local organisations, authorities and businesses
We’re here for the long term — working with communities, volunteers and supporters to keep the Broads thriving.