Barton Turf Adventure Centre (BTAC) is a 7-acre campsite and sailing school
originally established for Hertfordshire schools’ use. Now run by Sheila & Simon Fishwick, Di & Glyn Newberry and
Ash & Steph Cato, it is open to everybody, but especially schools and youth groups. We provide accommodation in tents
and offer access to a range of adventurous (chiefly watersports) and environmental activities using
Barton Broad and the 14-acre private nature reserve. The Centre has its own slipway into an
arm of Barton Broad, and can launch and recover boats of up to about 6m in length, 2m beam,
0.5m draught (keels up). Wider boats will have to be manhandled over the side of the quay,
or launched through Cox's Boatyard (for a fee). Boats may be moored overnight.
Barton Broad is the second largest of the Norfolk Broads and arguably the best for
sailing.
It has been subject to substantial improvement project recently undertaken by the Broads
Authority aimed at restoring the silted broad to clear water. The project on the whole has been a
success and Barton Broad is once again a real boating paradise.
The Broad is home to numerous wildlife, including many species of birds, fish and even otters
who have returned to the Broad.
The edge of the Broad is all nature reserve, and much of them are fenced off to provide fish-free
areas where microlife can breed without being eaten. The Broad lies across the River Ant,
and there is a certain amount of pleasureboat traffic moving through it.
The Broad is about 2m deep at most. Power boats are subject to a 5mph speed limit.
Direct Contacts:
Bookings: Glyn & Di Tel: 07506 719 109 Email: bookings@btac-services.co.uk
Admin & Accounts: Simon Tel: 01692 536 411 Email: admin@btac-services.co.uk
Marsh management: Sheila Email: trust@btac-services.co.uk
All other matters please contact the Centre office:
Tel: 01692 536 411
Barton Turf Adventure Centre is a trading name of BTAC
Services Ltd
a company registered in England. Regd. Office: 1 St Mary's Walk, ST
ALBANS, AL4 9PD. Company No 5448428