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The
eco-trip
Low
impact holidays
The notion of eco-tourism encompasses much more than enjoying
the wildlife. There's an important dimension around reducing
the impact of holidays. The Broads are ideal for sustainable
forms of leisure. With some vision, the area could be a leader
in eco-tourism - up there with Costa Rica! - and show the
rest of the country how its done. What could eco-tourism look
like in the Broads?
"There needs to be an injection of
cash around the boating experience, and into local food production.
The Broads could provide a real taste of sustainability, what
package could be better?" Tim O'Riordan, Professor of
Environmental Sciences, UEA.
Central to the Broad's distinctiveness
has been the silent sailing boats, which are the greenest
of all transport, harnessing the wind.
 The
Broads are also ideal for cycling, with good regular train
stations and a gentle terrain. Plus the Broads are slap-bang
in the centre of one of the most popular national cycle routes
in the country - the Sustrans Hulls to Harwich route.
Canoeing in the area is becoming very popular,
following the initiation of a scheme by the Broads Authority.
Tony Urwin at Wayland Bridge has been involved in the scheme.
" When we started the canoe business, we assumed it would
be limited - just for youngsters, but they are popular with
everybody."
But canoeing is really missing its potential. "Lots of
people would like to go camping with the canoe, but there
are no faciliities to offer that, or for canoes to be picked
up further down the river. We've had one person who's arranged
it himself - got in touch with farmers along his route and
asked to camp - but it should be easier than that!"
Enjoying
the view
Amid a chaotic world, there's a strong market for places in
which people can unwind, and rediscover the natural world.
And every year people come along to the Broads to see its
unique wildlife.
Already the Broads Authority markets the
Broads as an "eco-trip" destination, providing a
leaflet on the existing visitor centres in the area and many
boat hirers are now exploiting this market and offering wildlife
trips.
The RSPB has over a million members, and
they estimate that 25000 visitors visit their reserves in
the area each year. Conservation organisations fully recognise
the importance of visitors for their work.
As Tom Bridge, assistant warden at the
RSPB Strumpshaw reserve explained: "At our reserves,
members can see a return for their money and we can attract
new members, so they are very important tools for us. Many
wildlife holidaymakers come here, visiting wildlife sites
in the area."
Children
Among the hustle and bustle of modern life, children can benefit
enormously from a trip into nature. The Broads are also valued
as an educational resource among schools. 
Education
The
Norfolk Tourism Management Partnership
Planning in the Broads
Map
The
Future of Farming - EDP24 Special
Report
Climate
change in Norfolk
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