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Top 10 Remarquable Facts about The Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is the popular name for a network of lakes and rivers found in England, specific to Norfolk county and Suffolk county too. The term Broads is sometimes used to refer to the region.
For formal references to the area, The Broads National Park name is used. On some occasions, they go by the names of either of the two counties they’re located in. But the regular name is the Norfolk Broads. Take a look at these top 10 outstanding realities of The Norfolk Broads.
1. They were thought to be natural formations until the 1960s
A view of Hickling Broad in early summer, Photo by Andrew Lowe Watson-Wikimedia
All the while, these water landscapes were assumed to be a result of nature. But in the 1960s Dr. Joyce Lambert was able to give evidence that the broads were caused by human activity in the area.
The area was a thriving turbary business. Led by the monasteries in the region, excavations left huge pits that filled with water once the sea levels rose. The Dykes and windpumps constructed helped very little to stop the area from flooding.
The fuel extracted from the peatlands was sold to Norwich and other parts like Great Yarmouth. A decent amount of peat belonged to the Norwich Cathedral about 320,000 tonnes each year.
2. The Norfolk Broads earned national park state in 1988
Wroxham Broad, Norfolk, 1964 Looking across Wroxham Broad from a pleasure boat, Photo by William Matthews-Wikimedia
The Broads and the surrounding region received protection through the 1988 Act of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. This act aimed at elevating the area to have high regard as that accorded to national parks in the country.
In 1989, a state body was assigned to take charge of the Broads and was named the Broads Authority. In January 2015, the authority gave way to the use of the name Broads National Park.
3. Norfolk County hosts most of the broads
Much of the Norfolk Broads land spans about 117 square miles or over 300 kilometers square land. The lakes have 120 miles of navigable way or 200 kilometers of the accessible waterway. Most of the land covered by the broads lies in the Norfolk county region.
4. The deepest Broad goes down 13 feet
Solus Wherry on Wroxham Broad, Norfolk Broads, June 2011, Photo by Andrew Bone-Wikimedia
The Norfolk Broads area boasts seven rivers flowing through the region. The main river is Yare with its tributaries. The other rivers are Bure, Ant, and Wensum. Part of the list are also rivers Chet, Thurne, and Waveney.
While the lakes in the area number 63. All the waterways have a depth of four meters or less which translates to 13 feet or less.
5. You can navigate over 10 Broads
Wroxham Broad on the River Bure near the town of Wroxham in Norfolk, 25th August 2007, Photo by Stavros-Wikimedia
Of all 63 lakes, 13 are open to navigation while three others have channels that allow one to navigate through them. You may want to avoid some broads during the winter and autumn seasons since they are restricted for navigation.
6. The Norfolk Broads have one functioning lock
The operational Lock is on the Oulton Broad. The Mutford Lock is the connector of Oulton Broad and Lake Lothing. There are tides of different strengths that occur on the rivers in the broads.
The high tide areas are those nearer to the sea like the Breydon Water. Minimal tidal effects are felt in areas such as Barton Broad around the River Ant upstream flow.
7. The Norfolk Broads are perfect for Angling
If you are in search of a pass-time activity while in the Broads area, Angling is the perfect fit. The waterways in the area are many so this place is great for fish catching. There are several fish species in the broads. Such as the large pike, the bream, and the roach.
You will enjoy the unique experience of angling within the Broads area. The area has a history of angling making it among the best destinations in the world for the same activity.
8. Swimming in the Norfolk Broads is risky
With so much water and the weather on a warm day may tempt those who fancy swimming. But the management of the Broads steered by the Broads Authority warns people against getting inside the water.
There are only exceptional cases where a swim in these precious waters is permitted. Many of which are organized events and caution is observed during such fun functions.
9. The Broads pride in inhabitants unique only to this ecosystem
This environment has special butterfly species only existing within the Norfolk Broads. This makes Norfolk Broads a unique place to visit. A good example is the Swallowtail butterfly that inhabits the ecosystem.
10. The Norfolk Broads are centuries old
The Broads areas have lived for centuries. The proof of pit digging in the region records that the activity was already in place in the 12th century.
By this time the Norfolk east area had little to no woodland after invasion by woodcutters seeking wood for fuel and construction uses. This created a good ground for peat digging to thrive.
The Norfolk Broads are an adventurous and fun place. The Broads is Britain’s biggest preserved wetland with over 9 national nature reserves and over 25 Special Scientific Interest Sites.
You can visit the Hickling Broad Nature Reserve and take in the view of the River Thurne. This expanse of water is the largest among all Broads. The easy access to the reserve is enabled by boardwalks. This offers convenience to all even those in wheelchairs can have an easy time.
The Wherryman Way is great for walks and will leave you stunned. It starts from the edge of Norwich city and ends in the Great Yarmouth. The scenic vistas on the way are beyond belief.
A tour to one of the greatest Broads, the Hoveton Great Broad is a good treat to a nature trail. You shouldn’t miss seeing the only canal of the Broads. So make sure the Dilham Canal is a priority. If the history of the United Kingdom intrigues you, the museum of Boards should be on your list.
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