Filby Broad is part of an enclosed system of broads known collectively as the Trinity Broads.
The Trinity Broads, are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, SSSI, and hold other designations, they are also special in that they are totally enclosed and do not connect with the rest of the system.
As they are used as a source of drinking water, they are subject to special regulations to prevent the risk of contaminating the supply. For instance only rowing and sailing craft are allowed and they are controlled, well the only exception allowed an engine is the rescue craft at the sailing base.
You can always visit Village Voice for the most up to date information.
2013
Canoe Trips on the Trinities - great offer
Enjoy a guided canoe trail on the lesser-known Trinity Broads. Come and discover the wildlife and history, and find out about the management of the area from the water, exploring from the top of Rollesby Broad into Ormesby Little Broad.
There is an instructor on hand and all the canoe equipment and a buoyancy aids are supplied.
Currently places are offered at £20 adult and £5 child.
Please note this is first come first serve only and places are limited.
Payment is made at point of booking.
Dates & Times
Sat 3rd Aug 2013 at 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00
Wed 7th Aug 2013 at 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00
Sun 11th Aug 2013 at 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00
Please book via the Hoveton TIC. For details of future trips and other events please visit the www.enjoythebroads.com website)
In 2010 the Broads formed an important theme for our "in Bloom" activities.
2010 also proved interesting from the point of view of our wildlife. The winter, when pretty much all of the Broad was frozen over from time to time, provided us with some spectacular pictures and reminded us of a time when skating on the broad was not unknown.
About that time I saw a fox on the ice with a coot, I think, in its mouth, making its way across the entrance of Little Broad. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me, I never seem to on these occassions, but I know it was photographed and would appreciate a copy if at all possible. At about this time I am told an otter with five kits was also seen.
Since February Ken Saul has reported seeing three individual Bitterns on a number of occassions. On Saturday February 20th he saw a Slavonian Grebe in winter plumage.
This sighting was independently confirmed the following day. Later the numbers of this rare visitor rose to a reported five on Monday 15th, four on Ormesby Broad and one on Filby Broad.
The remainder of the winter was notable for the number of Goldeneye resident though they eventually moved away leaving us eagerly anticipating the arrival of our summer migrants.
A lot of interest was generated by the sightings and to the develop the interest it would be helpful if future reports of interesting sightings, pictures and such could be emailed to me for inclusion on these pages. Full credit will be given. I can consider creating a mailing list if there is enough interest.
First Sightings
The earliest sightings of a Swallow I heard about was on 29th March.
By the 1st April their numbers had risen to twelve and the first Sand Martins and House Martins had arrived.
There were sightings of two Rough Legged Buzzards and of a Common Buzzard.
On Monday 5th April 2012 the first Blackcap arrived.
We then got on with the business of village events and successfully achieved a Gold in Anglia in Bloom.
