Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve

Book Tickets Online

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.

Map & Directions

Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

Tel: 01621 862960

Opening Times

* Accessible at all times.

What's Nearby

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

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

    0.82 miles away
  3. Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is…

    0.86 miles away
  1. The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during…

    0.92 miles away
  2. Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat…

    1.12 miles away
  3. Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the…

    1.14 miles away
  4. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    1.16 miles away
  5. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

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

    1.16 miles away
  7. Located near to the centre of Heybridge, this site has good access from the surrounding…

    1.2 miles away
  8. Heybridge War Memorial is a Grade II Listed memorial made from creamy Portland limestone…

    1.23 miles away
  9. Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a…

    1.43 miles away
  10. Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall…

    1.5 miles away
  11. A Grade I Listed building, this 12th century church was restored during the 15th century…

    1.51 miles away
  12. One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension,…

    1.54 miles away
  13. Heybridge Creek is a channel that forms part of the flood relief scheme for the Heybridge…

    1.55 miles away
Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 561 to 580.

  1. Address

    Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8NN

    Great Totham

    This fascinating walk explores the myriad of lanes and footpaths encircling the villages of Great Totham and Wickham Bishops, and in springtime provides the perfect opportunity to see Maldon District’s most spectacular display of bluebells in Shut…

  2. Address

    Stansgate Abbey Farm, Stansgate, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7NU

    Telephone

    01621 772164

    Southminster

    Marconi Sailing Club

  3. Address

    6 Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PZ

    Telephone

    01621 853125

    Maldon

    Hair Media is a women's hairdressing salon offering a full range of hair treatments.

  4. Address

    Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EZ

    Telephone

    0754504124

    Latchingdon

    Learn to cook authentic yummy Indian food with Heena at My Healthy Indian! Heena hosts food events and cooking workshops teaching healthy and easy Indian curries in the charming village of Latchingdon, Essex.

  5. Address

    70 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 928 107

    Maldon

    Charity shop selling good-quality women's, mens' and children's clothes, along with china, collectibles, jewellery, housewares, accessories, shoes, books and more.

  6. Address

    Friends Meeting House (Quaker Church), Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Telephone

    01621 854056

    Maldon

    Maldon’s Quaker Meeting House was built in 1821. It comprises two separate rooms; originally one for women and one for men, but now everyone worships together. The Georgian benches and tiered elders’ benches remain.

  7. Address

    Bradwell-on-Sea Village Hall, South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7QJ

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3 miles. This short walk around Bradwell-on-Sea and Bradwell Waterside, part of the Walk it Local collection, takes in traditional country pubs, a historic church, a thriving marina and the saltmarsh coast,…

  8. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    Maldon Mosaic, which can be found close the sandy play area at the western end of the lake, was designed by Susan Mason and created with her friends at the Limebrook University of the Third Age to celebrate Maldon and the significant events of 2012,…

  9. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 854095

    Maldon

    Pirates Bay is an exciting 19 hole adventure Golf Course offering loads of fun for all ages.

  10. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 784633

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    The newly re-furbished Dengie Hundred Sports Centre is a Community Sports Centre, committed to delivering fantastic facilities and service. Choose from our wide range of classes, including spinning /indoor group cycling, activities and facilities.

  11. Address

    40 40a 42 High Street, MALDON, Essex, CM9 5PN

    Telephone

    01621 843617

    MALDON

    Marks and Spencer Simply Foods has a wide selection of food and drink, along with flowers and greetings cards. Food can also be ordered for collection from M&S

  12. Address

    Sea-Change Sailing Trust, Downs Road Boatyard, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

    Telephone

    01621840982

    Maldon

    Sea-Change provides residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment. By living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel they participate in a wide range of life skills and…

  13. Address

    Braxted Bakery, Little Braxted Lane, Little Braxted, CM8 3ET

    Little Braxted

    3.3 miles. The quiet lanes around Little Braxted make a pleasant walk with plenty to explore along the way, including a richly decorated Grade I listed church, fine old buildings with decorative chimneys and an unusual miniature railway at Braxted…

  14. Address

    Church Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8NP

    Great Totham

    Arguably one of the most idilic settings in the district, this beautiful Grade II listed chuch sits a short walk from Great Totham, next to the site of Great Totham Hall. The grounds are intersected by several footpaths giving access to South Wood,…

  15. Address

    153 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 927083

    Maldon

    Debs Hair Designs

  16. Address

    127 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BZ

    Telephone

    0345 652 4400

    Maldon

    We are the professional hair salon you are searching for, with qualified hair stylists trained to the highest standards in the latest colour and cutting trends and techniques. 

    ​We care about the way your hair looks everyday, not just on the day of…

  17. Address

    132 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Telephone

    07496 375407

    Maldon

    Barber shop providing cuts and beard trimming for men and boys.

  18. Address

    1a High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PB

    Telephone

    01621 927644

    Maldon

    Selling gifts, homeware personalisation and accessories in Maldon High Street. Creating an emporium of gifts. Making anything that one's heart desires. Gifts and homewares with a boho, scandinavian, rustic and contemporary feel.

    Specialising in…

  19. Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 9EB

    Telephone

    01621 856895

    Maldon

    Established in 1949 the MYC is a small but thriving sailing club situated at the end of the promenade opposite Byrhtnoth. The Clubhouse is a converted barge which provides a galley, bar, changing rooms and a clubroom.

  20. Address

    South Street, Bradwell-On-Sea, Southminster, CM0 7QJ

    Telephone

    01621 773183

    Bradwell-On-Sea

    Attractive site, surrounded by hedgerows and with a number of mature oak trees. Village hall, car park, enclosed children's play area, basketball net, football pitch, picnic benches, youth shelter, BMX skills ramp.

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.