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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 401 to 420.

  1. LA NAILS

    Address

    36 Quest place, Maldon, Essex, CM95AG

    Telephone

    01621 855806

    lisala69@gmail.com

    Maldon

  2. Fullbridge Church

    Address

    27 Fullbridge, Heybridge, CM9 4LE

    Telephone

    01621 852284

    hello@fullbridgechurch.org.uk

    Heybridge

    Fullbridge Evangelical Church has been on its present site since 1937, and has its origins in the Brethren movement which started around 1830. It has a wide range of activities and community outreach.

  3. Blue House Farm

    Address

    Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU

    Telephone

    +44 (0)1621 862960

    admin@essexwt.org.uk

    North Fambridge

    Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.

  4. Harry Green Hair

    Address

    63K High Street, Maldon, CM9 5EP

    Telephone

    07495 412593

    hgreen1991@outlook.com

    Maldon

    Men's hair salon offering a full range of barber and gentleman's hairdressing services.

  5. Combined Military Services Museum

    Address

    Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ

    Telephone

    01621 841826

    admin@cmsm.co.uk

    Maldon

    An award winning collection of British military artefacts from the English Civil War to today. Collections focus on the Special Forces, espionage, uniforms, medals, swords, and the Donnington Firearms Collection of over 700 guns.

  6. Jewellery Design Workshop

    Address

    9a High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PB

    Telephone

    01621 927337

    info@jewellerydesignworkshop.com

    Maldon

    Beautiful bespoke and ready made jewellery hand made on the premises by an award-winning goldsmith and designer, including engagement and wedding rings, bridal jewellery and jewellery repairs and alterations.

  7. Tollesbury Cruising Club

    Address

    Tollesbury Marina, Woodrolfe Rd, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621 869561

    vice.commodore@tollesburycc.co.uk

    Tollesbury

    Situated in the heart of one of the friendliest marinas on the East Coast facilities at this club include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool and tennis courts.

  8. RHS Garden Hyde Hall

    Address

    Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET

    Telephone

    01245 402019

    hydehall@rhs.org.uk

    Chelmsford

    Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the east of England and is a haven of peace and tranquillity.

  9. Saltmarsh Spa and Fitness

    Address

    Creeksea Place Barns, Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

    Telephone

    01621 786503

    info@saltmarshgym.co.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Our modern fully air conditioned gym and spa has beautiful views of the field and river and offers members on-site parking, free wi-fi, toilets, showers, changing rooms and lockable storage.

  10. Elizabeth Way Play Area

    Address

    Elizabeth Way, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4TG

    Telephone

    01621 852471

    clerk@heybridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk

    Heybridge

    A small children's play area accessible from Elizabeth Way and the Elms Farm development.

  11. The Viking Saga Boat Trips

    Address

    Landbreach Ltd, Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HT

    Telephone

    07766480793

    landbreach@outlook.com

    Maldon

    From May 2023. This traditional pleasure boat was built locally in 1947 and, following a complete restoration, is once again offering trips around the estuary. Moored at the ‘little blue jetty’, the Viking Saga is the best way to view both the Hythe…

  12. Finale

    Address

    19A High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PE

    Telephone

    01621 854471

    Julie@ciniglio.co.uk

    Maldon

    Lovely selection of ladies clothing, jewellery and accessories. Now in a larger shop in Maldon High Street.

  13. Trinity Lightvessel

    Address

    Off Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621868113

    info@fact.org.uk

    Tollesbury

    Walkers along the sea wall at Tollesbury will be fascinated by the large red ship moored on the saltmarshes. This is the Trinity Lightvessel, which was built in 1954 for Trinity House - the organisation which looks after shipping navigation marks…

  14. Seal Trips Essex - Celtic Prince

    Address

    The Pier by Priors Boatyard, Quayside, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8AS

    Telephone

    07853 401746

    enquiries@sealtripsessex.co.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    New for the 2023 season, Seal Trips Essex offers a variety of cruises aboard Celtic Prince, a refurbished boat carrying up to 10 passengers, with toilet facilities, ample indoor and outdoor seating with a canopy, and the option of snacks and drinks…

  15. Leech Memorial Garden

    Address

    Dykes Chase, Maldon, CM9 6HP

    Telephone

    01621 857373

    townclerk@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk

    Maldon

    This attractive site was formerly part of a garden & was donated to Maldon Town Council for the use of the town's residents. It features a wide range of native & ornamental trees & shrubs along with views towards Beeleigh Weir.

  16. North Fambridge Recreation Ground

    Address

    Fambridge Road, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6NB

    Telephone

    01621 828244

    nfampc3@gmail.com

    North Fambridge

    Facilities include a car park, football pitch, children's play site, and basketball net. Visitors should take care on leaving the site as visibility is restricted.

  17. Heybridge Towpath and Seawall - Self-Guided Walk No. 2.2

    Address

    Daisy Meadow car park, Basin Road, Heybridge, CM9 4RW

    Heybridge

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.58 miles. A slightly longer stroll in the Walk it Local collection, but worth the effort, taking in bustling Heybridge Basin with its boats, sea-lock, water birds and pubs, the seawall with estuary views back…

  18. Woodham Mortimer Parish Field

    Address

    Post Office Road, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon, CM9 6SY

    hwmparishclerk@btinternet.com

    Woodham Mortimer

    A small, attractive site surrounded by mature hedgerows. Car park, small hall, football pitch and swings.

  19. Goldhanger Parish Field

    Address

    Fish Street, Goldhanger, Maldon, CM9 8AU

    Telephone

    01621 860265

    vysian.banyard@hotmail.com

    Goldhanger

    Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall footpath and good views over the Blackwater estuary. Childrens play site, football pitch and benches.

  20. The Downs

    Address

    Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    contact@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the River Blackwater. At the top of the site near the road is a tarmac path and a number of benches.

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.

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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.

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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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