HOLIDAY PARK RESTORES ANCIENT FERRY LINK

An historic ferry service connecting the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk has resumed operations thanks to the owners of the Beccles caravan holiday park, Waveney River Centre.

The park, which includes a marina, plays host to thousands of couples and families each year who will now be able to reach Carlton Marshes nature reserve just across the river.

Ruth and James Knight, owners of Waveney River Centre, joined forces with Suffolk Wildlife Trust to bring the historic pedestrian ferry service back into action.

The opening ceremony was carried out by botanist David Bellamy. He was the first official passenger to cross the River Waveney on board the Ternpike.

In the 1800s, the ferry provided an important means for south Norfolk villagers to visit Lowestoft’s fish market, turning a 17-mile hike via Beccles bridge into a more manageable walk of five miles.

Now it will be a two-minute hop across the river, instead of the 26-mile round trip by car which has been required since the ferry fell into disuse 60 years ago.

Declaring the ferry open, David Bellamy revealed his long association with the region: ‘I learned to sail on the Broads a long, long time ago, and I got to know the Burgh Staithe and the ferry reaches very well,’ he said.

‘My first scientific paper was on the wetlands of Norfolk and the Suffolk borders. Since then, I have never looked back, messing about in wet places all over the world!’

Waveney River Centre has won many awards for its high standards and achievements in encouraging wildlife and protecting the natural environment.

The park provides lodge and boating holidays, with facilities including an indoor pool, pub, cafe, shop and moorings.

More details from www.waveneyrivercente.co.uk

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