New Broads’ event series announced - get ready for the great outdoors

Just in time for spring and the longer days returning, the Broads Authority has published its 2025 events series.

A group of people is gathered in a lush, green forest during a foraging event. A bearded man with gray hair, wearing a black shirt and a leather strap across his chest, appears to be leading the activity, holding a small basket and speaking to the group. The participants, dressed casually, are closely examining and tasting foraged plants, appearing engaged and curious. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

For anyone wanting to head outdoors, these events cater for all ages and interests, offering immersive wildlife experiences, boat trips 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 experiencing 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 kicks off with an evening wildlife exploration at Barton Broad suitable for wheelchair users on Saturday 15 March.

Some of the exciting events include:

A bearded reedling perched on a slender reed stem in a field of tall, straw-coloured reeds. The small bird has a striking appearance with a blue-grey head, black mustache-like markings, and warm brown plumage. It holds an insect in its beak, suggesting it is foraging. The soft, muted background of beige reeds creates a serene and natural setting.

  • A series of guided 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 of former eel catchers, and a walk delving into the fascinating history of the mills of the River Ant. Also back for 2025 are opportunities to join the Broads Rangers for a boat trip learning how to cross Breydon Water aboard the Spirit of Breydon launch (various dates).
  • 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 (April 5).
  • Learn how to use a bat detector and head out with experts and Rangers, on a guided walk at Ranworth to find and record bats (29 April and 24 September).
  • 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 sun rises, 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 sights 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).
  • 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 the story 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 August).
  • 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 October).

Events happening soon

Accessible night trail at Barton Broad

The events programme begins with an accessible event for those with limited mobility. 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 those with limited mobility, along Barton Broad Boardwalk. Try using a torch made from birch, stargazing, converse with woodland owls, and discover triboluminescence.

Saturday 15 March, 6.30pm - 8.30pm. More info and booking via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1227977777589

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

Wednesday 12 March 2025

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