Grand picnic in The Broads heralds National Parks Week
A grand Picnic in the Park on Sunday 27 July will set the scene in The Broads for National Parks Week - Sunday 27 July - Sunday 3 August - in common with all national parks in the UK.
The Broads, the country’s most precious wetland, is a member of the national parks family, and it will be joining the UK’s 14 national parks in celebrating the best of Britain’s countryside.
To get the nation into the great outdoors hundreds of events, under the theme of food and farming, have been organised nationally.
Every national park will be holding a Picnic in the Park on Sunday 27 July. How Hill National Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful places in The Broads, will be the setting for a public picnic with a green theme from 10.30am to 4.00pm. People are invited to bring their own picnics and learn how they can improve their ecological footprint, reduce their waste with fun activities and experience the history and wildlife of The Broads.
Local crafts and artists will be out in force and a basket maker will run workshops on making pea frames. You can also try making rush candles, have a go at pond dipping and mini-beast hunts, visit a wild food display, and watch the popular Nutmeg Puppets perform 'The Rubbish Monster' at 11.30am and 2.20pm. Also on offer are a herbology trail on Broads plants and their medicinal value, a display of bird ringing, a quiz on traditional marsh tools and a chance to find out how the Anglo-Saxons lived. There will be guided walks to historic wind pumps and the nature reserve, and talks on Toad Hole, a quaint little marshman’s cottage showing how families lived in Victorian times. The event is free and is mostly accessible for wheelchair users. Electric Eel boat trips to the hidden dykes opposite How Hill will be running as usual.
Also taking place on Sunday 27 July is Flying Creatures of the Wetland, a guided walk around the Lound Lakes Reserve from 10.30am to 12.30pm, spotting some of the spectacular flying creatures of The Broads. The morning starts with a talk to enable walkers to identify the colourful insects themselves. Cost £3. To book: Broads Authority 01502 713196.
Running from Monday 28 July through to Friday 1 August is a Woodland Survival Course at Whitlingham Country Park,10.00am-3.30pm, for children aged 8-15 years old. This week long course will teach you how to survive in the woods, learn fire making skills, shelter building, flint knapping, cave art and environmental projects. Adults must attend with their children and the cost for the course is £100. Ring Whitlingham Visitor Centre on 01603 617332 for details or email whitlinghaminfo@broads-authority.gov.uk.
For those who want to get out into the fresh air after work during the week four free guided walks are planned.
Monday 28 July 7.00-9.00pm - the Ranworth Rover will take you on a three mile walk through woodland and fields around the picturesque village of Ranworth, looking at the wildlife and history of the area. Meet at Ranworth staithe opposite the Maltsters pub where you might like to linger afterwards. Information - Broads Authority: 01603 270453
Tuesday 29 July 7.30-9.00pm - try a 1.5 mile guided walk to the Herons' Carr boardwalk to see some of the wildlife in the spooky carr woodland, listening out for bats on the way back. The walk is wheelchair accessible.
Information - Broads Authority: 01603 782281
Wednesday 30 July 7.00-9.00pm - take a three mile evening stroll around the wildlife rich and beautiful Shipmeadow and Geldeston marshes with a visit to the historic lock which is currently being restored. There’s an opportunity for a well earned drink at the Locks Inn afterwards. The walk starts at the Locks Lane car park, halfway down the gravel track to the Locks Inn pub. Information - Broads Authority: 01502 713196
Thursday 31 July 7.30-9.00pm - opt for a 1.5 mile scenic guided walk on a circular route off the Wherryman’s Way at Reedham. The big sky views across the rivers and grazing marshes are some of the most panoramic views in The Broads. Meet at Reedham Quay. Information - Broads Authority: 01502 713196
Further events:
Wednesday 30 July 10.15am-12.15pm - a Broads Local History Boat Trip offers a chance to visit the monastic ruins of St Benet’s Abbey by reed lighter, a traditional marshman’s boat used to carry bundles of reed, travelling from Ranworth Staithe down the River Bure and back. There will be a one mile walk around the abbey to find out about its history and how the broads were formed. Booking essential - Broads Authority: 01603 270453
Wednesday 30 July 10.00am-2.00pm - Broads Volunteering Taster Day is a chance to try your hand at conservation volunteering at How Hill National Nature Reserve. The Broads Authority is supported by a team of 200 volunteers - larger than its own workforce - who do invaluable work in looking after The Broads. The day is open to over 15 year-olds and will take you out into the fens to help improve habitats for fenland plants and wildlife like the rare swallowtail butterfly. All safety equipment and instruction is provided. tel Broads Authority 01603 782281
Friday 1 August 9.30am-12.30pm or 2.00-5.00pm - Watery Trails on the Trinities offer a rare opportunity to canoe on the Trinity Broads and discover the wildlife, history and management of the area with an expert. No experience is necessary but you must be able to swim. Cost £12 adult, £8 child (suitable for 8 years plus). Booking essential - Broads Authority: 01603 270453
Sunday 3 August - National Parks Week culminates with Hoveton Riverside Park Open Day. This family fun day by the river includes countryside and wildlife activities, a chance to have a play in a Canadian canoe in the morning (book on the day) or go on a two hour trail in the afternoon (book in advance). Nutmeg Puppets will be performing and there will be a guided walk, pond dipping and crafts. Information - Broads Authority: 01603 782281
Full details of all Fun in The Broads events are available from our Events pages and in our free Broadcaster magazine, available from Broads Information Centres and Norwich Tourist Information Centre in the Assembly House, Norwich.
22/07/2008
