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Broads score well in wildlife report

22nd Dec 2003

England's only wetland National Park, the Broads, fares well in a new investigation by wildlife watchdog English Nature.

The report - England's Best Wildlife and Geological Sites - assesses just under a quarter of the area of the Broads, which is classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Nearly 60% of these, according to English Nature, are in favourable or recovering favourable condition which means that they support healthy populations of plants and animals.

This result reflects the considerable work carried out in recent years to bring the fens into a condition where they can be cut or grazed regularly. Innovative projects on some broads have lowered nutrient levels, to encourage aquatic plant growth and clear water conditions.

Julia Masson, Senior Conservation Officer for the Broads Authority said: "We warmly welcome this report from English Nature, which shows we're making good progress. However, we recognise that further partnership work is needed to lower the levels of nutrients entering the waterways." The Government says 95% of these sites should have reached 'favourable' or 'recovering' condition by 2010.

Overall, the quality of water entering the Broads has improved markedly during recent decades. This is partly through the good work of water companies in removing phosphorus from sewage effluent, and through the Broads Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme, which promotes sound stewardship of agricultural land.

Last updated: 22/10/2008