The Broads

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The Broads
Norfolk Broads; Suffolk Broads
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Ormesby Little Broad, part of the Norfolk Broads near Great Yarmouth
Location	Norfolk and Suffolk, East of England, United Kingdom
Coordinates	52°36′2.34″N 1°36′37.1448″E / 52.6006500°N 1.610318000°E / 52.6006500; 1.610318000
Area	303 square kilometres (117 sq mi)
Established	1989
Governing body	Broads Authority
Website	www.visitthebroads.co.uk/
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Broadland
Designated	5 January 1976
Reference no.	68[1]

The Broads (known for marketing purposes as The Broads National Park) is a network of mostly navigable rivers and lakes in the English counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Although the terms "Norfolk Broads" and "Suffolk Broads" are correctly used to identify specific areas within the two counties respectively, the whole area is frequently referred to as the Norfolk Broads.

The lakes, known as broads, were formed by the flooding of peat workings. The Broads, and some surrounding land, were constituted as a special area with a level of protection similar to a national park by the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. The Broads Authority, a special statutory authority responsible for managing the area, became operational in 1989.^[2]

The area is 303 square kilometres (117 sq mi), most of which is in Norfolk, with over 200 kilometres (120 mi) of navigable waterways. There are seven rivers and 63 broads, mostly less than 4 metres (13 ft) deep. Thirteen broads are generally open to navigation, with a further three having navigable channels. Some broads have navigation restrictions imposed on them in autumn and winter, although the legality of the restrictions is questionable.^[3]

The Broads has similar status to the national parks in England and Wales; the Broads Authority has powers and duties akin to the National Parks but is also the third-largest inland navigation authority. Because of its navigation role the Broads Authority was established under its own legislation on 1 April 1989. The Broads Authority Act 2009, which was promoted through Parliament by the authority, is intended to improve public safety on the water.