About the reserve

Enjoy this stretch of open water and its rich wildlife via a short, accessible trail through wet woodland, known as ‘carr’. You can take in the view across Barton Broad and its surrounding fen areas from the viewing platform. From there, you’ll see the common tern nesting rafts out on the water. 

The surrounding fen areas are home to a number of rare plants and invertebrates, including the Norfolk hawker dragonfly, swallowtail butterfly, goldeneye duck, and crested-buckler fern. 

Purchased by NWT in 1945, Barton is the second largest of the Norfolk Broads. The broad was dug out in the Middle Ages for its peat soil, which was used as fuel. In the 1700s, the River Ant was diverted to flow through Barton to create a navigation route. 

Today, the broad’s story continues as an example of successful environmental work. The broad was originally famed for its clear water and rich diversity of aquatic plant life. In the second half of the 20th century, water pollution led to increasing nitrate and phosphate levels which increased the amount of microscopic algae, turning the water a deep green colour. This was detrimental to other plants and animals, causing a fall in biodiversity.  

Since the 1990s, the water quality has steadily improved thanks to a number of water improvement projects. The improving water quality has allowed fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants to make an impressive comeback.