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Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve

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About

This diverse site of 46 acres is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. It consists of a series of flooded gravel pits giving a wide range of different habitats including open water, small ponds, marshy areas, grazed grassland and Blackthorn/Hawthorn scrub.
Strolling through the reserve, there are a number of interesting flowers to look out for, including Common Spotted and Bee Orchids, Heath Speedwell, Common Storks Bill and Wild Strawberry. The reserve has eleven varieties of willow, including Almond and Purple Willow and several recently pollarded Cricket Bat Willows.

Over 120 species of bird have been recorded, and more than 40 of these have bred at some time, including great crested and little grebes, kingfisher and water rail. Ruddy duck can be numerous when the water level is high. Sedge and reed warblers can be seen or heard in spring and summer, together with common whitethroat, reed bunting and willow warbler.

Recently signs of Otters have been found on the reserve and it is also home to a number of Grass Snakes.

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Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

Website

Tel: 01621 862960

Opening Times

* Accessible at all times.

What's Nearby

  1. Chigborough Lakes

    An area of worked-out flooded gravel pits to the north of the River Blackwater. It has a…

    0 miles away
  2. Drapers Farm

    A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home…

    0.82 miles away
  3. St George's Field & Playground

    Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is…

    0.86 miles away
  1. St George's Church

    The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during…

    0.92 miles away
  2. Sir William Arnold Lifeboat Experience

    Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat…

    1.12 miles away
  3. Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Sea Lock

    Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the…

    1.14 miles away
  4. Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation

    This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    1.16 miles away
  5. Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Canal

    This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    1.16 miles away
  6. All Saints' Church, Little Totham

    This charming Grade I Listed church has a 12th century nave and 14th century chancel.…

    1.16 miles away
  7. King George V Playing Field, Heybridge

    Located near to the centre of Heybridge, this site has good access from the surrounding…

    1.2 miles away
  8. Heybridge War Memorial & Cemetery

    Heybridge War Memorial is a Grade II Listed memorial made from creamy Portland limestone…

    1.23 miles away
  9. Northey Island

    Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a…

    1.43 miles away
  10. Goldhanger Parish Field

    Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall…

    1.5 miles away
  11. St Andrew's Church

    A Grade I Listed building, this 12th century church was restored during the 15th century…

    1.51 miles away
  12. Statue of Byrhtnoth

    One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension,…

    1.54 miles away
  13. Heybridge Creek

    Heybridge Creek is a channel that forms part of the flood relief scheme for the Heybridge…

    1.55 miles away
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Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Wicks Manor Pork

    Address

    Wicks Manor Farm, Witham Road, Tolleshunt Major, CM9 8JU

    Telephone

    01621 860629

    sales@wicksmanor.co.uk

    Tolleshunt Major

    Wicks Manor Pork rears pigs fed on its own wheat and barley to produce succulent pork, gammon, sausages, ham and more. Free local delivery twice a week.

  2. Fellowship Afloat (FACT)

    Address

    Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust, The Sail Lofts, Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621868113

    info@fact.org.uk

    Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury

    Fellowship Afloat's centre is a unique place for adventure, relaxation and exploring the environment.
    Based on a converted lightvessel moored on the coast, it's an ideal activity venue for youth clubs, schools, churches, special needs groups and…

  3. Pets at Home

    Address

    Wycke Hill Business Park, Wycke Hill, Maldon, CM9 6TU

    Telephone

    0345 600 1795

    Maldon

    Pets at Home stocks all your pet care needs, whether it's for dogs and cats, small animals or fish, reptiles and birds. Helpful and well-trained staff can answer your queries and help you choose the right food and accessories for your pet.

  4. Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Burnham Library

    Address

    103 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HQ

    Telephone

    0345 603 7628

    burnham.library@essex.gov.uk

    Burnham

    Tuesdays. Baby & Toddler Rhymetime is designed for the under fives. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! No need to book, just come along and join in.

  5. Chigborough Walks

    Address

    2 Chigborough Road, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07702244440

    chigboroughfarm@gmail.com

    An annual pass, £20 per person in 2022, gives permission to use the walking path around Chigborough Farm site, with proceeds going to Farleigh Hospice. Parking is not available, so pass holders must be able to walk to the site. Commercial dog…

  6. Oxley Meadow

    Address

    Park Lane, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, CM9 8HB

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    admin@essexwt.org.uk

    Tolleshunt Knights

    This Essex Wildlife Trust site consists of two flower-rich meadows surrounded by dense, mature hedgerows and is renowned for the annual display of large numbers of green winged orchids and adders tongue fern.

  7. Burnham Riverside Park

    Address

    Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Overlooking the River Crouch, Burnham’s Riverside Park offers activity and relaxation in equal measure. It is an ideal place for a stroll, a run, a picnic or to take part in some sport.

  8. Leech Memorial Garden

    Address

    Dykes Chase, Maldon, CM9 6HP

    Telephone

    01621 857373

    townclerk@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk

    Maldon

    This attractive site was formerly part of a garden & was donated to Maldon Town Council for the use of the town's residents. It features a wide range of native & ornamental trees & shrubs along with views towards Beeleigh Weir.

  9. The Bra Consultancy

    Address

    16 Edward's Walk, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PS

    Telephone

    07790 270503

    info@thebraconsultancy.co.uk

    Maldon

    The Bra Consultancy is a Lingerie Boutique that provides a personalised fitting service with a size range including 28-50 AA-K. We offer the following ranges of styles: Fashion, Sports, Post-Surgery, Non-Wired and Pregnancy & Nursing.

  10. Springfield Road Park

    Address

    Springfield Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8UA

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    contact@maldon.gov.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    This park is comprised of mown grassland with a large number of mature trees of different species and a play park.

  11. St Michael the Archangel

    Address

    Church Hill, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RJ

    Telephone

    01245 223551

    Woodham Walter

    Built in 1563, St Michael's is the sole Elizabethan church in Essex and one of only six built in England during Elizabeth's reign.

  12. The Jacks Centre

    Address

    Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EX

    Telephone

    01621 742051

    info@jackscentre.co.uk

    Latchingdon

    An all-year-round Indoor Bowls Facility, with cafe, bar and the Golding Room for Weddings, Christenings, Birthday Parties, Wakes and other celebrations.

  13. The Althorne Estate Vineyard

    Address

    High House Farm, Old Heath Road, Althorne, CM3 6EW

    Telephone

    07736 276262

    info@highhouseweddings.com

    Althorne

    The Althorne Estate is a new vineyard that was planted in 2017 in Althorne. There are five acres of vines producing Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

  14. Creeksea Place House and Gardens

    Address

    Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

    Telephone

    01621 784535

    info@creekseaplace.co.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Creeksea Place is a 16th century fairytale Tudor Mansion set in beautiful gardens. The house with its captivating façade and tranquil surroundings is steeped in history.

  15. Forrester Park Golf Club

    Address

    Beckingham Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8EA

    Telephone

    01621 891406

    info@forrester-park.co.uk

    Great Totham

    Parkland course and practice ground.

  16. Forever Ink

    Address

    72 Station Rd, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HF

    Telephone

    01621 783099

    jamie.vallance@sky.com

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Forever Ink covers a wide range of tattoo styles from traditional to custom designs. They also offer body piercings.

  17. Steam Tug Brent

    Address

    Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 855058

    Info@steamtugbrent.org

    Maldon

    Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.

  18. Shut Heath Wood

    Address

    Great Totham, Essex, CM8 3ED

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    admin@essexwt.org.uk

    Great Totham

    This 50 acre reserve is just below the crest of the Great Totham Ridge and includes 23 acres of ancient woodland forming part of the Chantry Wood complex. A wonderful carpet of Bluebells can be enjoyed in the spring.

  19. Chapmans Convenience Store

    Address

    Pantile Hill, Southminster, CM0 7BA

    Telephone

    01621 772238

    Southminster

    Friendly local convenience store and off-licence, selling a wide range of essentials.

  20. St Peter's Church, Goldhanger

    Address

    Church Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AS

    Goldhanger

    St. Peter’s Church is central to the spirit of the village and the close community here. We hold services on the second Sunday of the month at 10:00am and a family service every other week.

Related

Frangipani Stand Up PaddleboardingFrangipani SUP, MaldonFrangipani SUP is a friendly, family run Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board school based in Maldon, Essex. We operate in various locations in Essex including Maldon, Chelmsford and surrounding areas.

Exterior of The Farm Cafe by Black PigThe Farm Cafe by Black Pig Chigborough, MaldonBlack Pig Catering is coming to the streets of Essex and will be serving up proper British grub. We pride ourselves on great quality, authentic produce sourced directly from the best farms and fisherman.

Person walking Dalmatian dog on leadChigborough Walks, MaldonAn annual pass, £20 per person in 2022, gives permission to use the walking path around Chigborough Farm site, with proceeds going to Farleigh Hospice. Parking is not available, so pass holders must be able to walk to the site. Commercial dog walking not permitted. Passes can be booked from the…

A person making pottery.Chigborough Pottery Painting Studio, MaldonPottery Painting Studio available for single family bookings only. Please text 07702244440 if you would like to book.

A pair of people performing yoga exercises.Chigborough Yoga Session, MaldonOne-to-one and family group yoga sessions available. Please book in advance by texting 07903827736.

A piece of smoked salmon.Lambton and Jackson Smokehouse Chigborough, MaldonLambton and Jackson Smokehouse serving delicious hot and cold smoked salmon and cheeses. Please order by calling 01621 853710.

A sign pointing towards a lodge.The Fishery Lodge Chigborough, MaldonThe Fishery Lodge, surrounding area and campsite is available for hire for weddings and functions. The lodge features a kitchen, toilets, and seating area inside and out. Please email chigboroughfarm@gmail.com if you are interested in hiring the lodge.

An aerial shot of a hedge maze.Chigborough Maze, MaldonThe Chigborough Maze is located next to the campsite and is available for guests to use. It can be hired exclusively for events between October and May.

A line up of pedalos on the water.Rowing and Pedalo's at Chigborough, MaldonRowing and Pedalo hire for days out in the summer on the picturesque lake at Chigborough Fisheries. Life jackets must be worn at all times on board.

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