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 361 to 380.

  1. Address

    The Street, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4NB

    Telephone

    01621 857004

    Heybridge

    A Grade I Listed building, this 12th century church was restored during the 15th century to its present condition. Seating for 200 including choir, with wheel chair access and hearing aid loop system.

  2. Address

    The Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 854139

    Maldon

    The Club offers a variety of summer sailing programme and winter socials, RYA training courses and moorings. Both novice and experienced boat owners are welcome.

  3. Address

    11 Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 502225

    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…

  4. Address

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

    Telephone

    07790 270503

    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.

  5. Address

    Tollesbury Road, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, CM9 8UB

    Telephone

    07483 325853

    Tolleshunt D'Arcy

    This is a large open site on the edge of the village with views to the south towards the Blackwater Estuary. There is an outdoor gym consisting of twelve exercise stations including a cross trainer, leg press and sit up bench.

  6. Address

    Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

    Telephone

    07950 435939

    North Fambridge

    Fambridge Lake is a peaceful spot for wildlife watching and duck feeding, with a lakeside decking and picnic area.

  7. Address

    9-10 King George's Place, 122 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BZ

    Maldon

    Costcutter convenience store with everyday essentials, frozen food, pet food, confectionary and off-lience. Also home to the Post Office with a full range of counter services including Vehicle Tax, international Driving Permits, MoneyGram, document…

  8. Address

    79 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5EP

    Telephone

    01621 927400

    Maldon

    Gentleman's barber and hairdresser, offering hair and beard cutting, shaving and delicious Turkish tea.

  9. Address

    Wycke Hill, Maldon, CM9 6UZ

    Telephone

    01621 856453

    Maldon

    DIY and trade store selling building materials, gardening, decorating supplies and kitchen and bathroom showroom.

  10. Address

    The Square, Tillingham, Essex, CM07SU

    Telephone

    01621 779620

    Tillingham

    This Grade II listed parish church has a beautiful setting in the village square in Tillingham, surrounded by white weatherboarded cottages. It is also home to the village's war memorials.

  11. Address

    The Quay, Burnham, CM0 8AT

    Telephone

    07583 888888

    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.

  12. 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…

  13. Address

    Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8QU

    Tollesbury

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 6.4 or 10.2 miles. A fascinating walk around Tollesbury and the surrounding marshes. This walk has plenty of stunning views, historic sites and bird-watching opportunities! Tollesbury nowadays is a renowned sailing…

  14. Address

    East St, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QD

    Telephone

    01621 869230

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

  15. Address

    Little Braxted Lane, Little Braxted, Essex, CM8 3EU

    Little Braxted

    St. Nicholas in Little Braxted is one of the smallest churches in Essex and was built in the early 12th century. It is richly and beautifully decorated throughout.

  16. Address

    Woodside, Mundon, Maldon, CM9 6PD

    Telephone

    01621 850826

    Mundon

    One of the last areas of surviving ancient woodland in the Dengie peninsular. The dominant tree species are oak and ash. Although there is something of interest to see all year round, the best time to visit is early morning in the spring.

  17. Address

    Church Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QJ

    Telephone

    07908 776750

    Tollesbury

    St Mary the Virgin is a beautiful Grade II* Listed church in the village of Tollesbury. The nave and part of the tower date back to the 11th century and incorporate reused Roman bricks and tiles. Inside there is an interesting font and brass and the…

  18. 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.

  19. Address

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

    Maldon

    Situated in Maldon's Promenade Park, the Maldon Prom BMX Track offers an off-road course with jumps, corners and areas to perform tricks and stunts for riders of all ages and abilities.

    The BMX Track has been designed to offer a safe space for…

  20. Address

    12 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PJ

    Telephone

    01621 854685

    Maldon

    Super Natural is a newly refurbished boutique in a historic, timber-framed 16th century Listed building at the top of Maldon High Street. The shop specialises in ladies clothing for all occasions, jewellery, women's accessories and a wide range of…

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.