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Wetlands
are among the most threatened of landscapes across the world. The
Broads' rivers, broads (shallow lakes), marshes and fens make it
an area where many rare plants and animals can live.
The
Broads has up to 200km of waterways and over 40 broads which range
in size from small streams to big lakes like Hickling Broad.
They
are managed by the Broads Authority who look after its conservation
whilst making sure people can still use the rivers and lakes for
recreation.
The
Broads Authority is keen to promote environmentally friendly boating.
Solar
powered boats
The
'Ra' is Britain's first passenger-carrying solar-powered
boat. Designed and built in Germany and named after the Egyptian
sun god, she travels silently on the Broads.
Costing
£55,000, the boat's maiden voyage was in September 2000. The
futuristic 30ft, 12-seater boat is powered by three rows of seven
solar panels.
The boat gives high-tech eco-trips round the National
Nature Reserve of Barton Broad, the second largest of the Broads.
In 2003
more than 2000 passengers enjoyed a ride on the RA
The
trips run from Gay's Staithe, opposite the Barton Angler Country
Inn at Neatishead from April until October.
You can find out more about the RA at the Potter
Heigham Broads information centre on 01692 670779.
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Recommended reading
By Sheila McKeown, a librarian at the Millennium Library in
Norwich.
The Broads, a Book for the Young by Jason
Crick. Jason Crick 2003.
Rivers and Lakes by Simon Holland. Dorling
Kindersley 2003. ISBN 0751339466.
You can get hold of these books through
your local library.
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