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The influence of human activity on the Norfolk Broads

The influence of human activity on the Norfolk Broads
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Key Info
  • The influence of human activity on the Norfolk Broads
  • Duration: 05:02
  • The Norfolk Broads are often regarded as being natural but are in fact man-made. Aerial shots of Barton Broad are followed by an interview with a member of the Broads Authority. The landscape seen today is the result of medieval peat digging creating depressions in the land surface which were flooded as water levels rose. Aerial shots of the area with commentary highlight the importance of the waterways for trade. Later, with the coming of the railways, the entire area was marketed as a holiday destination. Satellite images of the area highlight the fact that it is surrounded by farmland. Pollution by agricultural fertiliser has encouraged the growth of algae in the Broads, a problem which has been managed by dredging the Broads and introducing water fleas to feed on the algae. Images show the difference in water quality in areas cleared of algae, highlighting the positive effect on the diversity of flora and fauna. Published as part of the Britain From Above website: bbc.co.uk/britainfromabove/. Please note this clip is only available in Flash.
  • Subject:

    Geography

       Topic:

    People and the Environment: Conservation

  • Keywords: algae, agriculture, East Anglia, ecosystem, environment, farming, human activity, industry, management, natural, Norfolk Broads, rural, tourism, water, BritainFromAbove
Ideas for use in class
  • Useful in the context of a unit on tourism or a study centred on our perceptions of the landscape. Could be used as the basis for a case study on the interaction between people and their environment and the need to manage fragile environments.
Background details
  • Clip language : English
  • Aspect ratio : 16x9
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  • Location of Flash Video clip:

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