Broads Authority's Solar Powered Boat Moves to Whitlingham

The Broads Authority’s trip boat Ra has moved to a new home at Whitlingham Country Park. Ra was the first solar powered passenger boat in the UK when it was brought to Norfolk in 2000. Since then she has offered wildlife trips on Barton Broad but now she has a new base where she will give visitors a taste of the Broads from the doorstep of the city of Norwich.

The 30ft, 12 seater boat was specially commissioned by the Authority and built in Germany. She arrived at the country park by wagon trailer on Friday 13th April. An inspection was carried out as part of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign to stop the spread of non-native shrimp within the Broads before she was craned into the water beside a new purpose-built pontoon.

Ra will offer four trips a day around the Great Broad from now until the end of October with expert guides offering information about the wildlife that can be seen there and information about how best to explore further into the Broads.

The Broads Authority’s Visitor Services Supervisor Sam Bates said: “Moving Ra to Whitlingham enables us to reach a much wider audience, specifically people who probably wouldn’t normally think of taking a traditional Broads boat trip. Hopefully this will inspire their enthusiasm for the area and encourage them to explore the wider Broads network.

“Additionally, Whitlingham attracts a large number of wheelchair using visitors and Ra’s ability to offer trips to these groups will provide an excellent opportunity for them to experience the pleasures of the waterways and the rich natural heritage and local history.“

Martin Shaw, Chair of Whitlingham Charitable Trust which owns the country park said: “Ra will be a huge asset to the country park. We have had so many calls asking about her since it was announced that the boat was coming here. She will enable the residents of Norwich to have a high tech experience on the water and get close to the abundant wildlife within a stone’s throw of the city centre.”

Phil Hardy, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education at Norfolk County Council, said: "We are thrilled to have Ra based at Whitlingham and are hopeful it will bring new visitors to the park, along with their families. It will also give people a chance to learn more about the Outdoor Education Centre and what we have on offer, which we hope will lead more children and young people to learn from the land and water based activities available.'

"The wildlife tours will also add another educational dimension to the park and help to develop it as a visitor attraction for Norfolk families and those visiting the area. The new attraction also arrives just ahead of our family activity day on Sunday (15 April) so we'd encourage people to come along this weekend and see what a fantastic attraction we have at Whitlingham."