How important are the Broads?
There are six National Nature Reserves, 27 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the Broads area, many of which are designated as Ramsar Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation. What do these mean?

A number of these are owned or managed by conservation organisations, such as the Royal Society for the Protection for Birds (RSPB) or the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

What type of habitats are there in the Broads?
Rivers and Broads The value of these aquatic habitats to wildlife depend on their water quality.

Grazing Marsh Grassland providing valuable nesting and feeding areas from birds. Much of it is farmed as Environmentally Sensitive Areas.(D2)

Carr The 3000 hectare of wet woodland in the Broads is one of the largest areas in western Europe, with the alder carr being recognised as internationally important.

Fens Found on peaty, waterlogged soil in the upper reaches of the Broadland rivers. The fen meadows and sedge beds are internationally recognised for the wildlife that they support.
More about fens

Floodbanks Used over the years to protect the land from flooding. They are often used as rights of way, they support rough grasses and are home to some rare species.
Rising tides

Ronds Low-lying areas of land between a floodbank and the water's edge. The type of vegetation depends on how often they are flooded, and they often support a variety of animal life. They also provide flood defence by protecting the floodbanks from erosion.

Internal marsh dykes Drainage ditches which criss-cross the grazing marsh and arable land. They have the potential to support rich and internationally valuable wildlife communities, though their value depends on how they and surrounding areas are managed.

Soke dykes Ditches which run parallel behind the floodbanks, which collect and drain the overtopping or leaking water. They can support a rich array of wildlife, including rare species such as the Norfolk hawker dragonfly.

Salt marshes & mudflats Providing food and roosts for thousands of over-wintering waterfowl and wading birds.

From Roman seaside resort to motorcruisers
About the Broads
Map
Who runs the Broads?
A refuge for wildlife and holidaymakers

For further information about these habitats in the Broads, see the following links:
About management strategies for habitats see the Broad's Authority's website.
For the restoring Upton boat dyke, see the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's website