[1] It has an area of 7.8 hectares (19 acres), with sides that slope very steeply down to a maximum depth of 6 metres (20 ft), which constrains it as a wildlife habitat.The Broad is particularly well known for its bird life, with great crested grebes, kingfishers, herons, swans, sedge warblers and cuckoos a common sight.[4] While in the past the lake was used for windsurfing by university students, health and safety concerns have put an end to this practice.Fishing and viewing platforms are located around the edges of the Broad, along with several pieces from the nearby Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts's Sculpture Park.[5] The length of the lake on the northern side hosts several barbeque stands available for use by students and staff of the university.
