Broads wildlife under threat according to new report

A quarter of Britain's threatened species can be found in Norfolk's waterways, making it the most biodiverse wetland in the country.

But a report by the Campaign for National Parks has shown that the condition of some of the habitats they live in are in decline and just 7pc of the rivers and lakes that make up the Broads are categorised as "good".

Migratory birds at Breydon Water in the Norfolk Broads (Image: Newsquest)READ MORE: New twist in Broads row with victory for 'navvies' over 'parkies'

Some species are falling in numbers or are on the brink of extinction due to increased salination caused by tidal flooding, pollution of the waterways and habitat loss. 

Since 2000 the number of species recorded has dropped to just 6,760, compared to 10,186 since records began, according to NBN Atlas - a biodiversity research project.

READ MORE: New measures brought in on Broads marsh to stop eager anglers chopping down trees

Broads Society chair Mark Collins has called for more cooperation to improve nature's chances.

The Norfolk Broads is home to a quarter of Britain's threatened species (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: The tiny Norfolk Broads village named as sewage hotspot

He said: "Some groups are suspicious of environmental interests in the Broads, but in reality, sailors, birdwatchers, ramblers and anglers all want the Broads to be a haven for wildlife.

"To achieve full economic and environmental health, we need cooperation and open communication between all the stakeholders, including park and water authorities, landowners, farming, navigation and conservation interests."

The Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly is one of the Broads' conservation success stories (Image: Newsquest)

The Broads Authority, which manages the waterways, is confident its work to protect the natural environment in the Broads is proving successful, such as the increasing numbers of otters, cranes, bitterns marsh harriers and the fen raft spider.

Responding to the report, a spokeswoman said: "This campaign raises awareness of the important role national parks have to play. 

A swallowtail butterfly at Hickling Broad (Image: Newsquest)

"The BA has an impressive track record in working with partners to ensure everyone has access to the landscape and waterways of the Broads. 

"Nature recovery is a key priority of the Broads plan. Continued partnership working and appropriate funding are essential if we are to make further progress.”

A swallowtail butterfly at Hickling Broad (Image: Mike Page)

More information on the report can be found at cnp.org.uk.