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.

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
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Number of results: 583

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  1. Address

    Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    Heybridge

    An area of worked-out flooded gravel pits to the north of the River Blackwater. It has a variety of habitats including willow carr, open water, small ponds and marshy areas, rough grassland, and willow and hawthorn scrub.

  2. Address

    Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    This 100 year old Edwardian park encompasses an ornamental lake, a large water Splash Park, beach huts for hire, sandpits, a galleon play ship & aerial zip-wire & several picnic areas.

  3. Address

    Fish Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AX

    Telephone

    01621 788145

    Goldhanger

    Goldhanger Sailing Club

  4. Address

    Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6QH

    Purleigh

    This walk explores the countryside around the hilltop village of Purleigh and provides an opportunity to visit a working vineyard and an historic World War I aerodrome near Stow Maries

  5. Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE

    Telephone

    01621 856503

    Maldon

    The site boasts one of the largest and best equipped children's play sites in the Maldon District. The play equipment has been designed so that it is exciting and challenging for children of all ages.

  6. Address

    103 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5EP

    Telephone

    01621 927080

    Maldon

    Salon Central Group are happy to be able to offer our hair and beauty services to Maldon! The main aim of our salon has always been to offer hassle-free hairdressing at better prices than our competitors. Eight years on, we have grown in 6 locations…

  7. Address

    Station Rd, Southminster, Essex, CM10 7EW

    Telephone

    01621 772300

    Southminster

    Parts of this historic parish church are nearly 1000 years old, dating back to about 1100 AD. In modern times it has become a vibrant community church hosting a number of activities such as concerts and art displays.

  8. Address

    East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PW

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it is one of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country, a place to bring you peace and tranquillity. The old Saxon quote on the Chapel sign ‘In this…

  9. Address

    Burnham Library, 103 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HQ

    Telephone

    0345 603 7628

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Come along to our Block Builders Construction Club and use your imagination to get creative.
    All work will be on display until the following session. Free event no need to book.

  10. 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.

  11. Address

    Trusses Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7QS

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    RAF Bradwell Bay is a former Royal Air Force station located on the Dengie Peninsular, approximately 9.5 miles east of Maldon. It is the site of a war memorial to the 121 members of the Allied Air Forces who "in answer to the call of duty left this…

  12. Address

    Maldon Road, Goldhanger, CM9 8BQ

    Telephone

    01621 788162

    Goldhanger

    Gardneners Farm stocks fresh free-range and rare breed meat reared on the farm, produce and food products including refill olive oils and vinegars, chutneys and sauces, cheese and eggs. Enjoy a hot pie or coffee and cake while you're there.

  13. Address

    The Museum, Coronation Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HW

    Telephone

    01621 782184

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Discover the story of Burnham and the Dengie from the Bronze Age to today. Explore its fascinating maritime and social heritage through the artefacts and records of people’s lives.

  14. Address

    High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4QE

    Telephone

    01621 853470

    Maldon

    Our doors are open to everybody of all faiths – all are welcome in this house. Come along to one (or more) of our services or any of the many events held in this beautiful old building. We guarantee you a warm and friendly reception.

  15. 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.

  16. Address

    Saint Lawrence Hill, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7LN

    Telephone

    01621 776203

    Steeple

    This active rural parish church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Blackwater Estuary provides exhibitions and community activities. Light refreshments available.

  17. Address

    Plume Building, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 854850

    Maldon

    Founded in 1704 this historic library still houses Thomas Plume’s books and his small collection of paintings.

  18. Address

    Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EX

    Telephone

    01621 742051

    Latchingdon

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

  19. Address

    St Peter’s Tower, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 851628

    Maldon

    The Maeldune Heritage Centre, set in the beautiful old St Peter's Church, is one of Maldon's most fascinating visitor attractions, mixing local history, temporary art and craft exhibitions, tourism information and the permanent home of the…

  20. 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…

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