Broads campaign launched

A CAMPAIGN to encourage visitors to raise funds for special projects that will benefit the Broads  has been launched today, Wednesday.

The Love the Broads campaign that will be launched today at 3.30pm at Horning Swan Green, has been set up by the Broads Authority with money from the European Regional Development Fund through the STEP project which promotes sustainable tourism in estuary parks.

Show their appreciation

The idea is that people who've enjoyed a visit to the Broads can show their appreciation by voluntarily giving a donation which will raise money for projects that protect, preserve and enhance the area.

Visitors will find they have the option to give a very small extra sum on the hire of a boat or cycle, a meal or a cup of tea—or just drop a donation in a collection box. The campaign's logo—a large heart in a circle—appears on badges that can also be bought to boost funds.

Charitable Trust

The scheme will be administered by the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Charitable Trust—an independent registered charity—which will receive the money and distribute it to projects which have been submitted to the Trust.

So far eight local businesses have put their weight behind the campaign. They are Norfolk Broads Direct, Broadland Cycle Hire, Richardson's Group, Wroxham Barns, the Dairy Barns at Hickling, Clippesby Hall, Bank Boats and Horning Ferry Marina. If more businesses would like to be involved in the scheme they should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Projects

The first tranche of projects that are likely to benefit from the fund-raising includes a plan to set up a sculpture trail at Strumpshaw Fen with workshops to teach youngsters about nature, signage for Broads cycling routes and a scheme to stop the decline in the water vole population in the Broads.

The Trust aims to raise around £5,000 in the first year but a similar scheme in the Lake District has raised more than £2 million over 17 years so it's hoped the Broads scheme will grow to equal that success. To make a donation visit http://www.broadscharitabletrust.org.uk/enjoy-give-protect.html