Author | Lightnews

Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · 21d

Well done to Matt who has had this fantastic image of a moonrise over Thurne Mill shortlisted in the 2025 National Parks UK Photo Competition.

Vote for this picture by visiting the NPUK Instagram page and dropping a like on it to help him with a chance of winning!

www.instagram.com/nationalpark...

A serene evening scene featuring Thurne Mill, a traditional white windmill beside a calm river, with houses and trees in the background. A large pink moon rises in the blue sky above. Text on the image reads: “Thurne Mill by Matt Willimott – Shortlisted in the National Parks UK Photo Competition. Head to the NPUK Instagram page to vote.”

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Sep 17

We’re proud to support the Baton of Hope in Norwich today 💛

Our Rangers will guide the #BatonOfHope by river from Jarrold Bridge to Norwich Yacht Station (16:30-17:00pm).

Join us in backing the UK’s biggest suicide prevention campaign and promoting the power of nature for mental health.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Aug 29

There's still time to enter the 2025 National Parks UK Photography Competition 🤝🏻

Submit your images via Instagram before 5 September for a chance to win £250 in Sykes Cottages vouchers and over £100 in Collins National Park books.

Read more here: www.nationalparks.uk/photo-compet...

A black-and-white photo of a sailboat on a river with trees in the background. Overlaid text reads: ‘National Parks UK Photography Competition. Win a prize bundle worth over £350. Enter before 5 September.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Jul 29

Our first set of Volunteer Action Days are coming up in August, offering an opportunity to learn about conservation work and get stuck in managing the landscape at Reedham Marshes 🌿

A great way to enjoy some volunteering with no long-term commitment.

Interested? Book your spot here: bit.ly/40J1dB7

A group of three smiling volunteers and a Broads ecologist standing on a grassy path through tall reeds, holding long bamboo poles. They are dressed in outdoor gear and appear to be in a wetland or marsh area. Text on the image reads: “Volunteer Action Days #1 Reedham Marshes – 19–22 August 2025. Book via Eventbrite."

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Jul 29

Is it us or would this shot make a fantastic book (or album) cover? 🧑‍🎨

A heron takes off in-front of the fiery setting sun near the River Thurne. Well done to Will for capturing this incredible shot!

📷 @whulbert-photos.bsky.social

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Jul 11

🤝 We have some fantastic Volunteer Action Days coming up soon which offer a great opportunity to have a go at conservation volunteering in the Broads National Park.

Get involved and join us this August, September and February 2026.

Book your spot here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/volunteer...

A promotional poster for "Volunteer Action Days" with bold white text on a dark purple background. The poster is decorated with stylised, illustrated purple and green flowers and plants. A QR code is centered at the top. Below the main text, it reads: "Have a go at conservation work and help to look after the Broads. Book your spot on Eventbrite." Three dates are listed at the bottom: "18 AUG", "15 SEPT", and "23 FEB".

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · May 27

Earlier this year, a second drone survey of deer populations in the Broads was completed - providing the clearest picture yet of how they are impacting our wetland landscapes.

If you're interested in learning more, find the full article on our website: www.broads-authority.gov.uk/news/largest...

A male muntjac deer rests in green grass, showing small antlers and dark facial stripes, photographed by Marc Baldwin

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Reposted by Broads National Park

Margaret Boyd @mboyd7.bsky.social · Apr 28

Last day of birding #norfolk & #suffolk and not disappointed with a boat trip at Hickling Broad #norfolkwildlifetrust common cranes close overhead, marsh harriers and hobbies aplenty. And a dink in the sun ☀️

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · May 2

Join a guided walk with the Broads Rangers this Tuesday May 6 near Potter Heigham! 🧭

Explore a Hickling Nature Reserve and one of England's last-remaining eel setts on this fascinating walk which delves into the history of eel catching.

Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eel-sett-g...

A poster for the “Eel Sett Guided Walk” on 6 May, 10am–1pm, £6. Includes a photo of a black-painted riverside hut with a corrugated red metal roof.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Apr 29

The weather is looking great for this evening's bat walk at Ranworth!

Join the experts from @norfolknorwichbats.bsky.social to learn more about, spot and record bats.

Still some tickets available via Eventbrite here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ranworth-b...

Ranworth Bat Walk

Join us for an evening at Ranworth with the experts looking for and recording bats.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Apr 11

It's looking like a lovely weekend in the Broads!

If you're heading out on your canoe, kayak or SUP it pays to be water smart and to learn the rules of the river.

Check out our website for some top tips to help you make the most of your time on the water.

www.visitthebroads.co.uk/discover-the...

A woman and a boy kayaking on a calm river, both wearing life jackets and paddling side by side. Tall green reeds line the riverbank in the background under a clear sky.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Mar 21

Whether you own a boat here or are coming for a holiday trip, who's looking forward to another summer on the Broads?

The Broads Authority's Yacht Stations, visitor centres and staffed moorings re-open for the summer on Saturday 29 March and we can't wait for another season! ☀️

A Quay Ranger wearing a life jacket and holding a brochure talks to an older man by the riverside in Norwich. The Quay Ranger points to information in the brochure while the older man gestures as they engage in conversation. In the background, people are walking along the towpath, and a boat is moored on the calm water, surrounded by lush greenery and purple flowers overhead.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Mar 20

The chilling tale of Shuck began in Bungay in August 1577, when the fearsome hound stormed St Mary’s Church, killing several people before terrorising another congregation in Blythburgh.

Today, many people still claim to have seen the infamous dog, making it one of our most iconic folklore legends.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Mar 20

We’re thrilled that our infamous demon dog, Black Shuck, will be featured in Royal Mail's new Myths and Legends stamp collection, illustrated by Adam Simpson 🔥

The collection celebrates UK folklore, including Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster, Cornish Piskies, and Northern Ireland’s Fionn mac Cumhai.

A Royal Mail stamp featuring an illustration of Black Shuck, the infamous demon dog from East Anglian folklore. The fearsome black hound, with glowing red eyes and a menacing snarl, is depicted standing on scorched ground with sharp, jagged lines. Behind the creature, a medieval church looms under a stormy sky filled with ominous clouds and lightning. The stamp is marked “1st” in the top right corner, with “Black Shuck” labeled at the bottom left.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Mar 14

A superb capture of a Bearded reedling perched up at Hickling Broad ✨

Males sport a bold black ‘moustache’ against soft tawny plumage. These fascinating birds build intricate, globe-shaped nests among reeds near water and often chatter in small flocks outside breeding season.

📷 Adam Spruce

An image showing a male Bearded reedling perched on a reed, bathed in golden light against a backdrop of out-of-focus reeds

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Feb 27

Before vs after at Six Mile House Drainage Mill 💙

Built in the 19th century, this Broads windpump drained land until 1946.

After years of neglect, it was restored during the Water, Mills & Marshes project. Apprentices repaired brickwork, replaced the cap & added floors - keeping history alive!

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Feb 20

She first joined us a number of years ago as a Practical Environment and Conservation Apprentice and has since moved into the Waterways Projects Officer role.

She contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the Broads, from managing projects on footpath improvements to programming our dredging works.

Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Feb 20

A huge congratulations to Waterways Projects Officer Emily who was highly-commended in the Green Impact Award category of the 2025 Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards last week!

She is currently working towards the Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 Standard) at City College Norwich.

Emily at the Apprenticeship Awards with her highly commended certificate

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Feb 6

📷 Image taken at Hickling Broad by Adam Spruce - www.instagram.com/adamjspruce/

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Feb 6

A majestic Marsh Harrier soars above the reedbeds 🦅

This iconic species was once driven to UK extinction by the late 19th century.

They began breeding here again from 1927, with numbers rising steadily thanks to conservation efforts.

Thankfully, now they are often a common sight in the Broads!

A marsh harrier soars above a golden reedbed, its broad wings outstretched and slightly tilted. The bird’s plumage is a mix of warm brown, cream, and black, with a pale head contrasting against the darker body.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Feb 5

The upcoming Fibrebroads: Cultivating Sustainable Futures Symposium explores Paludi-fibre in bio-based building materials 🌿

Join experts on biomaterials, sustainable design & innovation plus a student exhibition showcasing fresh ideas.

Interested? Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fibrebroad...

A promotional poster for 'Fibrebroads: Cultivating Sustainable Futures' exhibition at Norwich University of the Arts. The event takes place on Monday, 17 February, from 10:00 to 17:00 at DS4, Duke Street Building, NR3 3AS. The exhibition showcases MArch students' paludiculture research works at Boardman House, NR2 4SL. The poster features a textured, brown, 3D-printed object made from a reed fibre, eggshell, and sand composite. Logos for Norwich University of the Arts and Broads Authority are at the bottom. A subtle blue map-like pattern is in the background. Image credit: Sam Joy, MArch Architecture.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Feb 4

After what felt like a very long January, it's a new month and we're already looking ahead to enjoying the signs of spring hitting the Broads!

To kick things off, we're loving this iconic image of St Benet's Level Drainage Mill reflected in the still waters of the River Thurne.

📷 Tom Mackie

St Benet's Level mill and a black wooden chalet with a white porch stand beside the River Thurne, reflecting perfectly in the still surface. The scene is bathed in warm golden sunlight, with reeds in the foreground and a clear blue sky above.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Jan 31

You can follow us on Instagram for more shots like this: www.instagram.com/broadsnation...

And remember to give Rick a follow too and show him some love! www.instagram.com/rick.bowden/

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Jan 31

It can often be grey & oppressive, but a Norfolk woodland in winter, when the weather conditions are just right, is truly a magical sight to behold ✨

Thank you to Rick Bowden for sharing, if this doesn't make us want to get out there and brave the winter chills for a woodland walk then what will?!

A woodland scene with small trees holding onto brown leaves. Tall tree trunks stand in the foreground, while soft light filters through the misty background. The forest floor is covered in fallen leaves.

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Broads National Park @broadsnationalpark.bsky.social · Jan 27

Know anyone who owns a business in the Broads? An opportunity here for any small/medium businesses based in the area (Norfolk) to bid for some funding to help them grow and scale up!

Find out more information on the @jarroldsnorwich.bsky.social website.

www.jarrold.com/what-we-do/j...

Jarrolds Growth Fund - Jarrold & Sons Ltd

Jarrolds Growth Fund As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing Norfolk’s business community, we are delighted to announce the launch of the Jarrolds Growth Fund. A pot of £100,000 will be release...

www.jarrold.com

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