The landscape of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is one of rivers, lakes, fens, marshes, meadows and waterlogged woodland. The area takes its name from the 63 shallow areas of water known as ‘broads’. Previously regarded as a natural feature of the landscape, in the 1960s these broads were proved to be artificial features. The majority were dug in medieval times as sources of peat for fuel, principally for Norwich and Great Yarmouth. As the sea level rose, these pits were flooded.
The rivers connecting the Broads are tidal, but the tide level diminishes as you go inland. The Broads range in size from small pools to the largest one—Hickling Broad — which covers about 140 hectares. The 63 broads have a combined water surface area of 836 hectares, most of which are 4 metres or less in depth.
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