The Broads in East Anglia covers an area of 117sq mls (303 sq kms). It is a network of navigable rivers and lakes in one of the flattest parts of the UK. The lakes, known as broads were formed by the flooding of peat workings. There are seven rivers and 63 broads that make up the Broads National park as it is referred to be the tourist board. It wasn't until the 1960s that research into the area discovered that the broads are not a natural feature but had been formed in the Middle Ages. Local monasteries had excavated peat to sell as fuel and when sea levels started to rise it flooded the area. Dykes and windpumps were constructed to control the flooding but they couldn't control the the rising waters. The reedbeds, grazing marshes and wet woodland are the result of all that peat excavation centuries ago.
Nowadays the Broads are used mainly for leisure purposes and attract lots of birdwatchers, anglers and people wanting to enjoy a leisurely trip on the water. It is very easy to hire a boat or kayak to take yourself off to explore the waterways.
I decided to take a trip around Oulton Broad on this boat - The Waveney Princess. The Waveney is the name of the local river.
Out of the main holiday season the boat wasn't too busy and so I spent a few hours gazing out at the water and enjoying a very different kind of scenery.
The previous day I had gone for a walk along the riverbank but could not see the river because of the height of the reedbeds. The reeds are well over eight feet in height and are very dense in most places so the walk was not a success.
A sharp bend in the river.
A dredger keeping the waterways clear and free from silting up.
There were many places where moorings were allowed for all the leisure boats.
Paddle boarding is becoming more and more popular.
It was interesting to see the gardens of some large, expensive houses on the way. It all looks very beautiful but I think I would be very concerned about the frequency of flooding these days.
Once the boat landed and we disembarked it didn't take long for the local wildlife to gather round.
When we lived in Herts decades ago, our neighbours had a boat on the Broads that they wanted us to share. I still remember how leisurely and peaceful it was, and as you say, full of birdwatchers and anglers. Wouldn't it be delightful to relive the experience again.
ReplyDelete29 years ago DB and I had a weeks holiday on a boat on the broads with some friends. It was so relaxing. We have had a lot of family holidays in Norfolk and days out so a well loved region. Your pictures brought back memories.
ReplyDeleteI like seeing the red sails on the sailboats. We never see colored sails here, only white. I bet the waterfowl associate the boats with tourists who feed them treats. Smart birds.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning about these Broads. I was thinking they were the human kind. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is quite an expanse of water comp aired to the Thames
ReplyDeleteA great series of shots showing off this region nicely.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there has been studies of the environmental impact from what was done back in the Middle Ages. Hundreds of years later, it now is what it is. I can see why it is an expensive area to live but I also have your flooding concerns.
ReplyDeleteIf there are boats on the water, I'm happy. Looks a nice place to visit.
ReplyDeleteWonderful 'water' photos ~ so inviting ~ Xo
ReplyDeleteLiving in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Great shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks. You brought back memories of my visits to Norfolk, mainly along the coast near Cley. Look like you had a lovely time - and decent weather.
ReplyDeleteNice pics! Looks like a great place for boating.
ReplyDeleteInteresting read about a beautiful spot. I tried a paddle board but didn't manage to stand. I sat and paddled instead. Younger members of the family loved using it (we had rented it for the week) and this year daughter Emily got a blow up version for her birthday. She loves it.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an enjoyable boat ride and a nice way to relax and cool off. I see paddle boarding is also popular there! I never tried doing it but my children have
ReplyDeleteWalking in The Broads is difficult, you really have to see them from a boat or not at all. Years ago I used to take groups of disabled youngsters on boating holidays at the Nancy Oldfield Trust at Neatishead. It's a wonderful area, especially out of the main tourist season.
ReplyDeleteA new place to me.
ReplyDeleteAfter 50 years of singing Bowies "Changes', I finally know what the Norfolk Broads are! (Always thought they were paddocks.)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting history. A good example of man's influence on the landscape.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a really beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteNothing like a good boat ride. What a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful waters and shots, thank you for sharing them with us and for visiting
ReplyDelete~ My little old world ~ I sincerely appreciate your so beautiful words!
Enjoy your weekend, sweet friend
XO Daniela
You are lucky to find such nice places in your country ! and even make a "cruise"on a lake ! The landscape looks beautiful and apparently you had nice weather too !
ReplyDeleteAh! Now I see those reeds for a different purpose other than standing on tiptoe trying to look over the swaying flowers. Much better to string a line of mist nets through the middle to see the wildlife close up. Dream on, it's still raining.
ReplyDeleteHi, your psot made me long for the travelling days when I discovered new places to explore.
ReplyDeleteWonderful. :)
Hello Friend, since I grew up in Holland, I love watery areas, (and know about dykes!) Love to see these huge willow trees! Have a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteEmille (formerly: Jesh from the Jesh studio)
As I don't travel, it was a joy to see your sharing of some of your region. Also, thanks for visiting me. I apologize that the link up wasn't live so I hope you will visit again and link up your beautiful site. It's open until Saturday. Have a great week.
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