The Broads is part of the family of National Parks of Britain. It differs from the other National Parks, with its own legislation, giving the navigation of the waterways equal status with the conservation and public enjoyment of the area. The Broads Authority was set up in 1989 to "conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Broads, promote the enjoyment of the Broads and protect the interests of navigation."

The Broads National Park is one of Britain's major tourist destinations, also Britain's largest protected wetland. The area is of international importance; globally wetlands are one of the landscapes most under threat. The total area is around 188 sq. miles / 303 sq. km., with 124 miles / 200 km. of waterways, encompassing the broads of east Norfolk and north Suffolk.

Three rivers, the Bure, the Waveney and the Yare, together with their many tributaries and over forty wider expanses of water or shallow lakes known as 'broads', flow through the Broads National Park. The Broads range in size from tiny lakes to the largest expanse of water, Hickling Broad.

The surrounding landscape is made up of drained grazing marshland, fens consisting of reed-beds and sedge and wet-woodlands known as 'carr woodland'. The broads, once thought to be a natural feature in the landscape, have developed through the digging of peat, which took place in the 9th-13th centuries. Eventually as water levels in the area rose, the peat pits ('tarbaries') flooded and the Broads began to form.

The Broads National Park is home to 28 SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), 9 National Nature Reserves and the RSPB reserve at Strumpshaw Fen. This is a wonderful part of Britain to find many species of birds, over 250 species of plants and a variety of wildlife.

Many species, such as the otter, are increasing in number, since the Broads Authority began its careful programme of conservation. Some are unique to the area, such as the Norfolk hawker, a rare dragonfly, Britain's biggest butterfly, the Swallowtail and birds associated with the Broads and fens, such as the bittern, bearded tit, and marsh harrier.

Visitors can see for themselves the restoration work being undertaken by the Broads Authority by visiting Barton Broad. A boardwalk has been created at the southern end from where you can view the project, or take a trip on the authorities purpose-built solar powerboat "Ra". Barton Broad is the second largest of the Broads, it is a wonderful place for boating with a sailing club and an annual regatta.

The beauty of The Broads is best appreciated from the water and many different types of craft can be hired for day or longer trips. For a unique experience, take a trip in a Norfolk Wherry. Originally these shallow, black single sail draught boats were designed to navigate the busy narrow waterways and used to ferry goods.

The Broads attract thousands of visitors each year, to sail, canoe or simply to enjoy time on the waterways in a peaceful atmosphere. There are however many activities to enjoy, from walking the 185 miles / 300 km of footpaths in The Broads National Park, cycling through the gentle countryside, or fishing for Bream, Perch, Pike or Eels, to name but a few.

Many of the picturesque villages have a staithe where boats can be moored, to allow exploration inland. Visitors can see historic buildings, ancient churches, old mills, waterpumps and museums all with a story to tell about The Broads.

You can find more information on The Broads National Park Website, or continue reading about other National Parks.