Barton Broad

Barton Broad is the largest Broad in the Ant Valley. It is a man-made landscape impacted by natural processes - the open water is a result of flooded peat diggings. The fen habitat around Barton Broad contributes to the largest fenland expanse in the UK and contains rare vegetation. It is home to key species including bittern, marsh harrier, otter, fen orchid and Desmoulin’s whorl snail.

Barton Broad and the surrounding margins, reedbeds, fens and wet and dry woodland was purchased in 1945.

Click here to download the reserve leaflet for points of interest (0.5mb).

Dog Policy:
NWT no dogs policy on most of the reserve. The exception is the overnight moorings and the path from there to Barton Turf Staithe.

Reserve information and details
What to see at Barton Broad

Opening times

Season	Opening Days	Opening Hours
Year round	Every day	Dawn till dusk

Prices

There is no charge for access to this reserve

Non-members:	Free
Members and children:	Free

Directions and Transport

NWT Barton Broad lies 2km north of Hoveton on the A1151 Hoveton to Stalham road. Take the turn signposted to Neatishead. In Neatishead village turn right (signed to Irstead.) After half a mile, just before the entrance to Gay's Staithe and The Old Rectory turn right for the main car park (and toilets) or carry on along the road for a further three quarters of a mile to reach the disabled parking only car park.

There is a walk of 1.2km from the main carpark to the board walk, part along a narrow public road. Entrance to the boardwalk is via the car park.

Facts

Type:	open water, alder carr and fen
Size:	164 Hectares
Designation:	SAC, SPA, Ramsar, SSSI, NNR
Map reference:	OS Landranger 134
Grid reference:	TG 350 207

Did you know?

NWT Barton Broad has suffered from pollution and poor water quality due to agricultural and sewage run-off. The Broads Authority’s Clearwater 2000 water improvement project is now making a difference.

Facilities

Information signs and boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs. Car park for disabled visitors available.
Other reserves nearby are NWT Alderfen Broad, NWT Hickling Broad.
Access by canoe: access from River Ant where you can enjoy a leisurely paddle close to the reed edge and along some dykes. Moorings available at the Staithe.