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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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Map & Directions

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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 261 to 280.

  1. St Giles Leper Hospital Remains

    Address

    Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6EA

    Telephone

    01621 857373

    administration@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk

    Maldon

    Remains of an ancient Leper Hospital said to have been founded in 1164 by Henry II.

  2. Braxted Park Golf Club

    Address

    Braxted Park, Braxted, Essex, CM8 3EN

    Telephone

    01376 572372

    golf@braxtedpark.com

    Braxted

    A well established and challenging 9-hole course set in the beautiful parkland of The Braxted Park Estate.

  3. Wickham Bishops Sports Field

    Address

    Great Totham Road, Wickham Bishops, Witham, CM8 3NP

    Telephone

    01621 893025

    contact@beaconhillfc.co.uk

    Wickham Bishops

    Large car park, changing rooms, pavilion, cricket pitch, two football pitches, four tennis courts, youth shelter, basketball net, public open space and nature area.

  4. 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.

  5. Community Gaming Initiative

    Address

    Maldon Activity Centre, Carmelite Way, Maldon, CM9 5GF

    Telephone

    01621 851891

    Maldon

    The Community Gaming Initiative (CGI) is a project to use gaming as a social tool to bring young people together to socialise and develop skills.

  6. Walking Netball at Promenade Park

    Address

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

    Telephone

    07701365122

    Maldon

    Every Tuesday. Walking netball is just what it says - netball, like you remember from school, but walking. No running, jumping or leaping allowed!

  7. Maldon East and Heybridge Railway Station (Disused)

    Address

    Station House, Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ

    Maldon

    Maldon East and Heybridge railway station served the town of Maldon and nearby village of Heybridge between 1848 and 1964.

  8. Kazen Kai Martial Arts Dojo

    Address

    The Martial Arts Centre, 4a Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01277 262 800

    admin@kazenkai.com

    Maldon

    Kazen Kai Karate at The Martial Arts Centre in Maldon offers a wide range of classes for adults and children, focusing on traditional Karate along with kick-boxing, Taekwondo and self-defence. 

  9. New Hall Wine Estate Vineyards

    Address

    Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN

    Telephone

    01621 828343

    newhall@newhallwines.co.uk

    Purleigh

    New Hall Vineyard is an English Wine Producer with around 50 hectares of vines and is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Wine tasting and purchasing is available in the shop and a self-guided walk is open to explore the vines. Regular…

  10. Peacocks Stores Ltd

    Address

    100 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 841790

    Blake.timms@mccannconnected.com

    Maldon

    Part of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill group, Peacocks were founded in 1884 and now have more than 400 stores located all around the UK.

  11. Paper Kisses

    Address

    Paper Kisses, 70d High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 858095

    Maldon

    Card Fair Ltd

  12. Mayland Nature Reserve

    Address

    Nipselss Chase, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6EH

    Telephone

    01621 743551

    maylandpc@btinternet.com

    Mayland

    Previously a dense blackthorn scrub that was completely inaccessible, this site has now been opened up in part with paths & a central glade. There are a number of picnic benches & an information board about the site & its abundant wildlife.

  13. Drapers Farm

    Address

    Drapers Chase, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4QT

    Telephone

    01621 852152

    Heybridge

    A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home of Maldon Cricket Club, Maldon Croquet Club, Maldon Rugby Club and Maldon Tennis Club.

  14. Sawyers Field

    Address

    Sawyers Road, Little Totham, Maldon, CM9 8JP

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    contact@maldon.gov.uk

    Little Totham

    This site has a small car park and is also accessible on foot from School Road. It is managed for informal recreation and a number of events are organised by the local community throughout the year.

  15. Marconi Sailing Club

    Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 772164

    info@marconi-sc.org.uk

    Southminster

    Marconi Sailing Club

  16. Burnham & Creeksea Stroll - Self-Guided Walk No. 6.1

    Address

    Millfields car park, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HS

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.5 miles. This short Walk it Local route offers a delightful stroll around the yachting centre of Burnham-on-Crouch and nearby Creeksea, taking in river views along the seawall, birdlife, vineyards and historic…

  17. Ladies Football by England Football

    Address

    Upper Plume school artificial pitch, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

    Telephone

    01621854477

    Ben.Thornett@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    A brand-new project on the back of the success that the Lionesses' achieved during 2022.

    The sessions are run by Simon and Ben from Maldon District Council's community health and wellbeing team and is open to women aged 18+ and costs just £1 per…

  18. Promenade Park Sand Pit

    Address

    Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    tourism@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    A large children's sand pit and play area with step-free access. A cafe and toilets are located nearby, along with seating for parents and families.

  19. Woodham Mortimer Golf Range

    Address

    Burnham Road, Woodham Mortimer, Essex, CM9 6SR

    Telephone

    01245 222276

    ianwillmoss@gmail.com

    Woodham Mortimer

    9 hole Pitch and Putt available all day for only £5 per person. Juniors £3, under 8 free.

  20. On the Wall Distillery - Gin School

    Address

    Hockley Meadows, Hockley Lane, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PZ

    Telephone

    01621 776074

    onthewalldistillery@gmail.com

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Learn all about the history of gin, taste some beautiful examples and enjoy making a bottle to take home with your selection of botanicals. The Gin School masterclass is a 4-5 hour interactive, hands-on experience and includes a tasty lunch.

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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