Just in time for spring and the longer days returning, the Broads Authority has published its public events series, including an accessible event for wheelchair users. For anyone wanting to head outdoors, these events cater for all ages and interests: immersive wildlife experiences, boating and heritage events, plus many more.

Fancy looking for bats at night with a bat detector? Or how about chatting to owls in the dark, or experience the symphony of bird calls during the dawn chorus?

The Broads Authority has just released its programme of events for this spring, summer and autumn, which includes an evening wildlife exploration at Barton Broad suitable for wheelchair users on Sat 15 March.

Some of the events include:

  • A series of walks with Broads Rangers, where they share their in-depth knowledge of boating, nature and the history of the Broads. Including, dawn chorus walks, a visit to the picturesque hut (eel set) of former eel catchers and learn from Rangers how to cross Breydon Water aboard the Spirit of Breydon launch (various dates).
  • Wildlife expert Jon Tyler will lead an accessible trail, suitable for wheelchair users along Barton Broad Boardwalk. Try using a torch made from birch, stargazing, converse with woodland owls, and discover triboluminescence (15 Mar).

Foraging and wildlife experiences with Jon Tyler. Image: Julian Claxton Photography

  • Explore How Hill Nature Reserve after dark when it’s closed to the public. Find night-world creatures, encounter owls, glow worms and marvel at the wonders of the dark sky cosmos (Apr 5).
  • Learn how to use a bat detector and head out with bat experts and Rangers, on a guided walk at Ranworth to find and record bats (29 Apr and 24 Sep).
  • Retrace the steps of a Broads’ eel catcher on this guided Ranger walk to the picturesque eel set, a hut where eel catchers slept and collected their nets full of eels. Visit a bird hide, overlooking Hickling Nature Reserve and a historic church (6 May, 3 Sep).
  • Experience birdsong like you’ve never heard it before on a dawn chorus walk at North Cove, taking in the cacophony of songs as the sunrises, learn which species are singing and why they sing (7 May).
  • ‘Boat and Boot’ trips combine a beautiful scenic walk led by Broads Rangers, who share their knowledge of the Broads wildlife, heritage and history. Then a trip on the Ranger Patrol launch taking in the sites from the river. These take place at various locations: Carlton Marshes to North Cove (21 May), Hardley Mill (4 June) and Beccles to Geldeston (23 July).
  • The popular ‘Demystifying Breydon Water’ boat trip sold out quickly last year. Travel onboard Spirit of Breydon patrol launch with Rangers to learn about safe routes, channel markers, emergency mooring points and potential hazards. Take in views of Berney Mill and Burgh Castle Ruins (7 May and various dates).
  • Explore the serene beauty of the Ant Valley, an enchanting corner of the Broads, while delving into the fascinating history and cultural heritage of the mills at How Hill on this walk led by Rangers (12 June).
  • A wild foraging walk around How Hill Nature Reserve, followed by a three course summer afternoon tea in the serene garden of Toad Hole cottage, led by foraging expert Jon Tyler (14 June).
  • Join Rangers for a guided walk discovering the history of the area surrounding Coltishall including the RAF bases, historic buildings and history of the Broads (28 June).
  • A rare chance to see the winding waterways of the river Ant on a boat trip from How Hill Nature Reserve at dusk. Glide through the peaceful backwaters as the evening settles in, revealing a world of hidden wildlife on this magical adventure (16, 30 July, 13 Aug).
  • Head out at night to explore the sights and sounds at North Cove. Join night explorers Jon Tyler and Nick Sanderson to seek out the hidden creatures of natures night-shift, experience the effects of darkness on our senses and examine the human relationship with the world of the after dark (13 Sep).
  • A guided family walk looking at mushrooms, find out about fungi friends and scream with the spores, at How Hill Nature Reserve, alongside free drop-in activities (19 Oct).
  • Discover the fabulous world of fungi on a walk and spore printing adventure. A family-friendly fungi workshop to identify mushrooms and create stunning spore prints. Perfect for all ages, combining nature exploration with citizen science. (25 Oct).

Events happening soon

Accessible night trail at Barton Broad
Discover the magic of the twilight world as it comes to life in ways you’ve never seen before. Wildlife expert Jon Tyler will lead an accessible trail, suitable for wheelchair users along Barton Broad Boardwalk.

Try using a torch made from birch, stargazing, converse with woodland owls, and discover triboluminescence!
Sat 15 March, 6.30-8.30pm. More info and booking via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1227977777589

For these events and many more, see the BA’s Eventbrite webpage:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/broads-authority-29218269141