The Upper Thurne Broads within northern Broadland have long been recognised as an internationally important area for ducks and geese. Large flocks spend the winter on the open water of Hickling Broad, Horsey Mere and Martham Broads where they feed and roost. At times the Upper Thurne Broads can support up to ten thousand waterfowl.

Martham Broads have long been recognised for their particular levels of purity in a rather hostile saline rich environment have been protected from access to maintain this. They have also been the hub of more recent pike angling interest due to two record pike (captors: Fickling and Amies) having been captured from the river approaching these two Broads.

Angling and boat access has been limited for many years and will remain subject to these restrictions for the foreseeable future.

Angling access is available on the North Broad by permit from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust warden the details of which are published in the accompanying PDF file related to the Upper Thurne Refuges, download a copy to access this information from the link on the left hand navigation menu.

The image here provides an insight into the character of two Broads at Martham and the coloured areas indicate the wildfowl refuges that have been set up for this coming winter period.The South Broad being inaccessible at all times!