Spot the difference!

Did you know the Great Broad only opened to the public during the early 2000s? It is a relatively young park created following gravel extraction which formed the Great and Little Broad water spaces. Today, around 350,000 visitors enjoy this space each year, and the Great Broad path is many people's favourite route.

There has been so much positive change just in the two and a half years that I have been part of the Whitlingham Country Park team. I thought it would be interesting to take a look back at what the park used to be like.

It's quite astounding how much has happened to improve this green space for visitors. One massive change has been the vast improvement in the state of the Great Broad path, which has seen a huge upgrade in the last few years.

Great Broad circular path

Before:

This was an extremely muddy route in the winter months. It's hard to believe they used to be this bad! Thankfully the paths have since had a huge upgrade and are mud free.

After:

The tar and chip surface has made all the difference to the visitor experience. It is a great accessible path for walks, cycling, buggies and joggers, everyone can now enjoy the Great Broad path mud-free throughout the year. What an astonishing change for the better!

Great Broad Erosion and flooding

Before:

Although the Great Broad is an enclosed water space which doesn't flow, the wind pushes the water towards one bank on the south side. The erosion this causes has previously led to the path flooding during winter months such as in the photo below.

After:

Several areas have been made more robust with wooden edging boards to raise the bank and prevent this scale of flooding onto the paths. Specially designed coir barriers (see photo below) were also placed in certain areas to promote a natural solution to the calm the power of the water. Great thanks to our regular volunteers for their support with the installation.

Unfortunately, some of these erosion barriers were ruined by a period of sustained flooding shortly after they were installed. This was unlucky timing indeed. The reeds that were pre-planted within them became died off, but thankfully some are still growing. Some eroded areas have also been back-filled with gravel to support the banks and protect the path too.

We are soon going to be installing a large drainage pipe and water control system to enable the water level of the Great Broad to be easily managed all year round. The plan is that this development should also put an end to path flooding issues. Work on this pipe is due to start soon. in this later part of 2025

The great news is that the path will largely remain open during these works so visitors will still be able to complete their lap. There may be a day or two when visitors may need to divert from the circular path. Keep an eye on signage, this news page, and our Facebook page or updates in due course.

The Great Broad bird hide

Before:

Accessed via the north side of the Great broad, this path used to be muddy and overgrown and there was nothing to arrive at when you reached the end of the small peninsula.

After:

The bird hide is a special addition to the Great Broad landscape. It can be seen across the water, enticing visitors to go and investigate. Here it is, as a work in progress and then finished and open!

There are benches inside and several windows to take in the views and spot bird life, whether you have binoculars with you or not. We have had swans nesting right nearby in recent years, so the bird hide gave a safe and non-intrusive viewing opportunity.

These changes have made a huge difference to the look and experience of the Great Broad area of the park for our visitors. Time, effort and grant funding well spent!

Park developments take a lot of time and funds to make happen

You can help! We have a touch-screen donation point in the Flint Barn Cafe where you can choose a particular project to support and can give any amount from as little as £1. You can also donate using the QR codes on posters found within our toilet facilities and on our donations page online. Alternatively, our Charities Aid Foundation page offers a different way to contribute to our work, without choosing a specific project to support. You can even set up a regular donation there.

Thank you so much for your generosity. This park thrives with your support!

Huge thanks to all the grant funders of the projects detailed above - the park would not be what it is today without your generosity!

Do you want to see the latest look of the park? Come and see for yourself - We're open every day of the year and the Flint Barn Café is only closed for two days at Christmas.

Come and explore!

Be sure to look out for news of our next developments on our news page and on our Facebook.