Have you loved your visit to the Broads? Would you like to help make it a better place? You can do your bit to enhance Britain's magical waterland with a small donation which will raise money for projects that will protect and preserve it.

Eastern Daily Press: Hannah Dryland, new development officer for Love the Broads.Photo: Bill SmithHannah Dryland, new development officer for Love the Broads.Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2013)

f you visit a participating business you will be able to give a small extra sum on the hire of a boat or cycle, a meal or a cup of tea – or just drop a donation in a collection box and pick up a pin badge.

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of Love the Broads at Swan Green, Horning. Bruce Hanson tourism manager of the Broads Authority with representatives of broads businesses and trustees who will administer the voluntary contribution by Broads users that will improve amenities. Photo: Steve AdamsLaunch of Love the Broads at Swan Green, Horning. Bruce Hanson tourism manager of the Broads Authority with representatives of broads businesses and trustees who will administer the voluntary contribution by Broads users that will improve amenities. Photo: Steve Adams (Image: Archant)

Your money will go towards improving access and visitor interpretation, protecting wildlife and providing conservation education for our youngsters.

The scheme is administered by the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Charitable Trust – an independent registered charity – which will distribute the money to projects which have asked for funding from the trust.

So far eight local businesses have put their weight behind the campaign. They are Norfolk Broads Direct, Broadland Cycle Hire, Richardson's Group, Wroxham Barns, the Dairy Barns at Hickling, Bank Boats, Waveney River Centre and Horning Ferry Marina.

A development officer has been appointed by the trust to promote and extend the scheme. Hannah Dryland hopes to sign up at least 10 more businesses for this season and she can be can be contacted at info@broadstrust.org.uk

The trust aims to raise around £20,000 this year; but a similar scheme in the Lake District has raised more than £2 million over 17 years.

If you would like to make a donation visit www.broadscharitabletrust.org.uk/enjoy-give-protect.html

The Love the Broads scheme was set up by a partnership involving the Broads Authority, Broads Tourism and the Broads Trust using money from the European Regional Development Fund through the STEP project which promotes sustainable tourism in estuary parks.