Norfolk Broads named as finalist in National Park of the Year awards
Ashtree Farm Mill. Picture: Christopher Hill - Credit: Archant
The Broads has been named one of five finalists in BBC Countryfile's National Park of the Year awards after it's 'mysterious, marvellous landscape' captivated judges.
Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Photo: Wikimedia/Blisco - Credit: Wikimedia/Blisco
The world-renowned wetland has been nominated along with Snowdonia, Northumberland, Exmoor and New Forest national parks.
Magazine readers were asked to submit suggestions, which judges then scrutinised before selecting the five nominees.
The magazine explained its decision in selecting the Broads: 'Britain's largest protected wetland is a mysterious, marvellous landscape, with a quarter of the country's rarest wildlife.'
Members of the public are now asked to nominate their favourite with voting open from January 19 until March 5.
Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland National Park. Photo: Wikimedia/Tomorrow Never Knows - Credit: Wikimedia/Tomorrow Never Knows
Countryfile editor Fergus Collins, who was one of the judges, said: 'It's a very different landscape, which takes a different sort of management.
'It has a huge leisure industry, which they seem to be balancing with the wildlife and the natural landscape.'
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He said the Broads was under pressure from climate change and rising sea levels and correct management of the region was critical to its future.
'They've got a big job there to keep things going. But essentially (there is) some very good habitat management.'
Exmoor National Park. Photo: Wikimedia/Dietmar Rabich - Credit: Wikimedia/Dietmar Rabich
Broads tourism chairman Greg Munford welcomed the announcement and said it vindicated a decision by members of Broads Tourism to get behind the national park brand.
He said the nomination was testament to the 'great work' of the group's members and corporate partners.
'Along with the help of Broads Authority this has allowed us to launch the Visit the Broads website and social media presence.
'We encourage all of our members to promote the link BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards to help us win this prestigious award.'
Water gathers at the southernmost end of Clayhill Bottom, New Forest National Park. Photo: Wikimedia/Clive Perrin - Credit: Wikimedia/Clive Perrin
National Park of the Year was not the only category to include the Broads, with the Holiday Destination of the Year including a nomination for Suffolk in which the Broads are listed as a key feature.
The Broads have also featured in the Reader Photo of the Year, with an image of Brograve Mill titled 'Milling Around' by Christopher Hill.
