Barnby Broad and Marshes, Nature reserve and scientific site in Suffolk, England.
Barnby Broad and Marshes is a nature reserve with scientific importance in Suffolk, stretching across about 189 hectares between Beccles and Lowestoft along the River Waveney. It contains grazing pastures, wetland woodland, fens, and open water that together create a varied habitat supporting diverse wildlife.
The open water sections were formed by medieval peat extraction, similar to other water bodies in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads system. This natural formation continues to shape the site's structure and character today.
The site is shaped by traditional management practices where cattle graze the meadows, preserving the natural character of the wetlands. These methods remain central to local farming and define how the landscape looks today.
Visitors can explore the site through designated paths and viewing points to observe waterfowl like teal and shoveler. Winter is the best time to visit when bird populations are at their peak.
The site is home to rare plants like tussock-sedge and marsh arrowgrass that thrive only in specialized wetland conditions. The presence of Norfolk hawker dragonflies, a scarce species, makes this location particularly valuable for breeding populations.
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