An overhaul of the way national parks are governed could create a range of opportunities for the Broads, its chief executive has said.

Eastern Daily Press: Ormesby Little Broad, part of the Trinity Broads in the north-east of the National Park Picture: James Bass PhotographyOrmesby Little Broad, part of the Trinity Broads in the north-east of the National Park Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: (C) JAMES BASS PHOTOGRAPHY)

The Broads Authority is in the process of finalising its response to a review of the National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty being carried out at central government level.

The inclusion of the Broads in the National Parks family has proved a contentious issue in the past, however, BA chief executive John Packham has said the review presents a range of opportunities.

Among these, the chance to better manage wildlife, offer more to schoolchildren and better promote the beauty of the Broads.

Mr Packman said he hoped the review would put more pressure on central government to provide opportunities for schoolchildren to visit the Broads.

Eastern Daily Press: Boats on the River Yare near Cantley. Norfolk Broads. Picture: James Bass PhotographyBoats on the River Yare near Cantley. Norfolk Broads. Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: (C) JAMES BASS PHOTOGRAPHY)

He said: 'There is such a willingness from schools to visit us, but also limited resources for them to be able to.

'Through our Water, Mills and Marshes project, we had the opportunity to work with some 600 children from schools in Lowestoft and had really positive feedback. Some of the children said the visits were the best days of their lives.'

Greater powers to manage wildlife

Mr Packman said: 'Surveys have shown that wildlife is the aspects of the Broads that the public hold most dear, however, as it stands we have relatively few powers managing it.

Eastern Daily Press: Wildlife captured on film as part of the Broads Authority Wild Watch scheme which is funded the Heritage Lottery. Picture: Water, Mills and Marshes Heritage LotteryWildlife captured on film as part of the Broads Authority Wild Watch scheme which is funded the Heritage Lottery. Picture: Water, Mills and Marshes Heritage Lottery (Image: Water, Mills and Marshes Heritage Lottery)

'I feel we should be given the ability to carry out much more detailed monitoring to understand the conditions different species thrive in, and therefore protect them better.'

'A fourth function'

Currently the Broads Authority has three primary functions - to conserve and enhance natural beauty, to promote enjoyment and the protect navigation of the waters.

The review could see a 'fourth function' added to its principles - to promote social and economic wellbeing.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Is... The evening light touches the moored boats at the Berney Arms windmill and sums up everything I love about Norfolk. The still waters of an evening when the Broads settle for the night after the activity of the day. Those large skies which are always interesting but especially with those deep pink sunsets. The quintessential Norfolk windmill, a familiar landmark across the flat open land. And the best way to enjoy Norfolk? Is by boat, whether to take in the Broads, it's wildlife and the wide open views, or to travel along the rivers taking in the more unusual view of the city at a quiet and slower pace. This picture reminds me of the beauty around me in Norfolk, a feeling of calm and space, and a chance to stop, breathe and enjoy. Picture: Denise BradleyNorfolk Is... The evening light touches the moored boats at the Berney Arms windmill and sums up everything I love about Norfolk. The still waters of an evening when the Broads settle for the night after the activity of the day. Those large skies which are always interesting but especially with those deep pink sunsets. The quintessential Norfolk windmill, a familiar landmark across the flat open land. And the best way to enjoy Norfolk? Is by boat, whether to take in the Broads, it's wildlife and the wide open views, or to travel along the rivers taking in the more unusual view of the city at a quiet and slower pace. This picture reminds me of the beauty around me in Norfolk, a feeling of calm and space, and a chance to stop, breathe and enjoy. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: ©Archant Photographic 2008)

Mr Packman said: 'We want to have a greater responsibility for this. Part of the thinking is looking for ways of creating more jobs in the various industries involved with the Broad and make sure they all have bright futures ahead.'

Pressure on public bodies

'Currently public bodies and local authorities are told they have a duty to 'have regards' for National Parks purposes - which is open to interpretation.

'One thing the National Park executives are asking is for this to be cleared up by changing the wording to 'further' them.

Eastern Daily Press: Children from St William's Primary School enjoying the Broads. Picture: St William's Primary SchoolChildren from St William's Primary School enjoying the Broads. Picture: St William's Primary School (Image: St William's Primary School)

'This would place more of an onus on government bodies to think about how they can really make the most of their National Parks.'