Broads Plan 2022 - 2027

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Theme D: Protecting landscape character and the historic environment

Introduction | Built and cultural heritage | Geodiversity | Tranquillity, dark skies and wildness | Long-term aim | Strategic objectives and key actions

Introduction

The low-lying, interconnected wetland habitats of the Broads follow the edges of level, open marshland and valleys drained by three principal rivers and their tributaries. This is a living and working landscape, created and influenced over thousands of years by patterns of human existence. The Broads Landscape Character Assessment (2017) summarises the physical processes that have shaped the landscape we see today. It identifies 13 distinct landscape types from coastal dunes and tidal estuary to peat fen, carr woodland and settlement fringe. Within these are 31 individual character areas, each with a unique combination of landscape features and elements.

The shallow lakes we know as ‘broads’ are actually man-made, mostly originating as medieval peat diggings. Arguably this makes the Broads itself one of England’s most extensive industrial monuments. A long history of controlled drainage is evident from the drainage mills, raised and embanked rivers, and dykes. The location and pattern of villages and settlements have been dictated largely by historic social and economic need, with groupings often round a parish staithe, riverside common, ferry or bridge, with isolated churches on the surrounding uplands.

Built and cultural heritage

The significant built heritage value of the Broads is recognised in the designation of 25 Conservation Areas and the scheduling of 15 Ancient Monuments and more than 270 Listed Buildings. Although undesignated within the Broads Authority area, historic parks and gardens also contribute to our cultural heritage. Much  has been done to protect, conserve and enhance key historic and cultural assets, and seven Listed Buildings at risk were removed from the Register between 2017  and 2021. However, there is still gradual erosion in the condition, quality and distinctiveness of the built environment. Among the most vulnerable assets are more than 70 drainage mills, an iconic and visible feature in this flat landscape. Many of these structures are isolated, inaccessible and in a deteriorating condition. Five-yearly surveys of these buildings and other listed structures is providing important evidence for action.

In line with good practice, the Authority has a programme of Conservation Area reviews (with three new CA appraisals adopted between 2017 and 2020), helping to acknowledge and preserve the special character of these important places. In many areas, unlisted buildings such as waterside chalets contribute greatly to the local character and are of special significance to local communities, and a Broads Local List makes sure these buildings are recognised. New schemes to follow on from the successful Water, Mills and Marshes (WMM) project will continue to support local heritage projects, including the repair of drainage mills that are so integral to this landscape. Ongoing support is also needed to preserve, restore and use historic Broads craft, including trading wherries and other small craft, and the WMM legacy will add to the hard work by local heritage groups and trusts.

Other important aspects of the area’s heritage are also in danger of being lost if not recognised, protected and supported. Historic England has identified the Broads as a site of Exceptional Waterlogged Heritage, but many of its archaeological features remain hidden and vulnerable to changes in water levels, development and other land use pressures. Traditional craft industries such as reed and sedge cutting, thatching and millwrighting remain a small but important part of life and landscape management in the Broads but are struggling to survive, as are other local traditions, crafts
and cultures.

Geodiversity

The geodiversity of the Broads is an understated aspect of its natural heritage, with many identified sites of interest lacking designation and protection. Risks include the impacts of climate change, including coastal protection work altering the dynamics of marine erosion and sediment transport, and drying out of wetland and oxidation of peat leading to the loss of finite environmental and archaeological archives. Agricultural activity can also adversely impact the historic environment and landscape, such as by removing historic patterns of drainage and water management and separating former water mills from their functional context. Built development can also hide or obliterate access to geological assets. County geodiversity action plans for Norfolk and Suffolk help to provide a comprehensive approach to documenting, protecting and enhancing our local geodiversity resources and understanding.