Broads Society

The society was founded in 1956 to provide a focus for anyone interested in the region, e.g. navigators, naturalists, farmers, residents and visitors.

It campaigned in the 1960s and 1970s for special status for The Broads, and in 1988 the area was given special protection, a status similar to that of a National Park after the passing of the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads Act 1988.

The Society's volunteers are known as "Broadsword"; they work during the winter months clearing trees and scrub from river banks.

This encourages the re-colonisation of banks by reedswamp and helps maintains the unique environment found in Broadland.

The Mission Statement of the Broads Society is as follows: "Our members share a common purpose to help secure a sustainable future for The Broads as a unique and protected landscape in which leisure, tourism and the local economy can thrive in harmony with the natural environment".