The system of lakes and waterways that form the Norfolk Broads are a legacy of ancient and mediaeval peat diggings.

As well as being an area of outstanding beauty, today they represent an ecologically significant part of England's environment heritage, where many rare species of native wildlife can be found.

The Wherry was a class of trading vessel peculiar to these waters. Weighing anywhere between 25 and 40 tons, their principal use was to ferry commercial cargoes from the coastal ports inland.