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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 1 to 20.

  1. St Bartholomew's Church

    Address

    Church Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3LA

    Telephone

    01621 892867

    priest@churchinwickhambishops.org.uk

    Wickham Bishops

    St Bartholomew's Church is Grade II Listed and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic church architecture. In the churychyard you will find three Commonwealth War Graves.

  2. Althorne to North Fambridge Walk

    Address

    Althorne, Essex, CM9 6DG

    Althorne

    A picturesque 5.65 mile linear walk along the coast between the villages of Althorne and North Fambridge; this allows you to get a train from North Fambridge station at the end of the walk to return to the start.

  3. Maldon Salt

    Address

    Salt Works, The Downs, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HR

    Telephone

    01621 853315

    info@maldonsalt.co.uk

    Maldon

    Maldon Salt has been producing its unique pyramid-shaped crystals in the coastal town of Maldon since 1882, in the capable hands of four generations of master salt makers from the Osborne family.

  4. 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.

  5. St Mary & St Margarets Church & Commonwealth War Graves

    Address

    Church Lane, Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SL

    Stow Maries

    The parish church of St Mary and St Margaret is Grade II* Listed. The church chancel was built in the 14th century and the nave in the 15th century. The churchyard has five Commonwealth War Graves.

  6. Maldon Scaffolding Services Ltd

    Address

    Bates Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5FA

    Telephone

    01621212606

    Maldon

    We’re more than your typical Essex scaffolding team. Driven, experienced, and professional, we provide thorough end-to-end scaffolding solutions in Essex. Whether your needs are domestic, commercial, or industrial, Maldon Scaffolding Essex is here…

  7. First Stop Supermarket

    Address

    167 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 842963

    Maldon

    First Stop Supermarket is a well-stocked convenience store with an array of genuinely fresh vegetables, fruit and generous bunches of herbs, as well as all the everyday grocery and household essentials. The store also has an off-licence and is open…

  8. West Wick Yacht Club

    Address

    Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

    North Fambridge

    West Wick Yacht Club organizes both motor and sailing events including club racing, cruising, and social. Members receive a wide range of benefits including local chandler’s discounts, free racing, subsidised events and much more. To find out about…

  9. The Spa at Five Lakes Resort

    Address

    Five Lakes Resort, Colchester Road, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, CM9 8HX

    Telephone

    01621 862324

    spa@fivelakes.co.uk

    Tolleshunt Knights

    Come along to relax and dine with us at Brasserie 1, one of the best restaurants in Essex. What can you expect from the menu? International food with a great British twist, including fish, grilled meats and steaks, salads and much more.

  10. King George V Playing Field, Heybridge

    Address

    Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4AL

    Telephone

    01621 852471

    clerk@heybridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk

    Heybridge

    Located near to the centre of Heybridge, this site has good access from the surrounding area. Large car park, modern hall, enclosed children's play site and football pitch.Also know locally as the 'Planny' after Plantation Hall.

  11. St Giles Church

    Address

    Maldon Road, Langford, CM9 4SS

    Langford

    St Giles' is a unique Grade II* Listed parish church dating from the late 11th century, with an unusual apse at the western end.

  12. Borough Flooring & Home

    Address

    160 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Telephone

    01621 927110

    Maldon

    Borough Flooring & Home, previously known as Borough Carpets, stocks all kinds of flooring for both residential and corporate premises. From luxury carpets to hard-wearing carpet tiles, vinyl and laminate to wood floors, the choice is vast. The…

  13. Emporium on the Quay

    Address

    The Quay, Burnham, CM0 8AT

    Telephone

    07583 888888

    info@bistroonthequay.com

    Burnham

    Gift shop on The Quay in Burnham which supports independent artists, designers and makers. Stocks beautiful, unique hand made products and gifts, plus toys, cards, setts, preserves, jewellery and local Burnham on Crouch souvenirs.

  14. McColls and Post Office

    Address

    2 High Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8RG

    Telephone

    01621 868684

    Tollesbury

    Convenience store selling groceries, confectionery, cards, wines and spirits, newspapers and more. Includes the Post Office, National Lottery and Cashpoint.

  15. Scoundrels & Scallywags Gentlemen's Barbers

    Address

    132 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Telephone

    07496 375407

    Maldon

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

  16. Purleigh Community Shop

    Address

    Church Hill, Purleigh, CM3 6QH

    Telephone

    01621 829600

    purleighcommunityshop@gmail.com

    Purleigh

    Owned and run by local residents, Purleigh Community Shop offers convenience shopping, local produce and a social hub  in the heart of Purleigh. Produce includes fresh bread and cakes, locally produced meat, vegetables and fruit, wines,…

  17. Riverside Cycle Centre

    Address

    120 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 858 240

    riversidecycles@hotmail.com

    Maldon

    Riverside Cycle Centre offers everything the cyclist could need. Buy a brand new or secondhand ride, from road bikes to mountain bikes and even electric bikes; plus service and repairs for bicycles of all kinds. The shop has cycling clothing,…

  18. The Book Nook

    Address

    19 West Street, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8RJ

    book.nook.tollesbury@gmail.com

    Tollesbury

    An independent book shop in Tollesbury, built by the community for the community and providing new and used books.

    The shop, has a small tearoom, books and games for customers, free Wi-Fi, and remote working space. Local talks, author events, and…

  19. Dillys Bespoke Florist

    Address

    11 Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 502225

    dillyatabbotts@aol.com

    Maldon

    With its beautiful ever-changing window display including an array of plants, Dillys has already become an attractive feature of Market Hill. Just off the High Street, in a historic timber-framed building, Dillys offers a complete range of floristry…

  20. Blackwater Sailing Club

    Address

    Basin Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4SD

    Telephone

    01621 853923

    secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk

    Maldon

    A family sailing club situated on the upper reaches of the Blackwater with comprehensive facilities for cruisers and dinghies. Large cadet section. Members' guests welcome and temporary membership available.

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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