The IBTC Lowestoft: Broadland Boatbuilder’s Garden

From the garden

• Reclaimed timbers used to create the structure of the jetty
• Plantings of rare species including early marsh orchids and crested buckler fern
• Floating water soldiers and reeds growing in the water surrounding the jetty
• Replica a recently discovered 900 year old oak built boat at a three-quarter size scale
• Bench with the words engraved ‘From tree to Sea’ echoes the boats origins

At the garden

In July 2013, a 900-year old boat, skilfully built of oak, was discovered on the Norfolk Broads. The International Boat Building Training College in Lowestoft has created a threequarter size replica for this garden. It stands on a small jetty surrounded by plants and trees native to the dykes that crisscross the grazing marshes of this region. Common reed, meadowsweet and purple and yellow loosestrife grow on a bank. In an area of shorter fenland vegetation, southern and early marsh orchid, stately royal fern and the much rarer crested buckler fern provide a backdrop to flowering herbs and vegetables.

The garden draws attention to the scenic waterways, rare flora and fauna and the boat-building skills that are such an important part of the Norfolk Broads.