A new exhibition exploring the impact of peat on the Broads landscape is set to open on the waterways.

The display, at the Museum of the Broads in Stalham, will tell the story of how the area was literally shaped by the material.

The Broads themselves were created when people dug up peat, creating pits which later flooded.

Eastern Daily Press: The Broad is a unique landscape. Pictured: Hickling Broad The Broad is a unique landscape. Pictured: Hickling Broad (Image: Newsquest)

The surrounding land was then drained with ditches and pumps, and walls were created to guard the fertile farmland from the sea.

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Peat landscapes comprise 10pc of the UK, supporting unique flora and fauna and acting as carbon stores.

However, ploughing and draining initiated carbon release from the Broads, a process that started with peat digging.

Eastern Daily Press: The end of the exhibition will look at how drenching the landscape could support the fight against climate change The end of the exhibition will look at how drenching the landscape could support the fight against climate change (Image: Denise Bradley)

The exhibition, 'Digging, Draining, Drenching – the Story of Peat in the Broads', also highlights how the landscape can help in the fight against climate change.

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Broadcaster Nicholas Crane and the Bishop of Norwich will unveil the exhibition on April 20 at 3pm.