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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 121 to 140.

  1. World War II Minefield Observation Tower and Pillbox

    Address

    Seawall, 900m south-east of Holliwell Farm, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8NG

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    An unusual piece of wartime history can be found on the seawall heading out of Burnham-on-Crouch towards Bradwell-on-Sea. Around 4 miles from Burnham you will come to a unique hexagonal, two-storey control/observation tower and an accompanying…

  2. Cruise Essex

    Address

    Fambridge Yacht Haven, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

    Telephone

    07729 840898

    enquiries@cruiseessex.co.uk

    North Fambridge

    Cruise Essex runs trips from Fambridge Yacht Haven on board Limoncello, a stylish Sealine F43 Cruiser capable of holding six guests in comfort. The vessel explores the River Crouch, and options include an afternoon tea cruise lasting around two and…

  3. Little Totham Village Green

    Address

    The Green, Little Totham, Maldon, CM9 8JG

    Telephone

    01621 891363

    lucy.messent@btinternet.com

    Little Totham

    This small, triangular shaped site is located at the centre of the village. Swings, slide and pond. Pedestrians are advised to take care when crossing the road to this site.

  4. Forrester Park Golf Club

    Address

    Beckingham Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8EA

    Telephone

    01621 891406

    info@forrester-park.co.uk

    Great Totham

    Parkland course and practice ground.

  5. Burnham-on-Crouch & District Museum

    Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 782184

    burnhammuseum@outlook.com

    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.

  6. Plume Academy Artificial Grass Pitch

    Address

    Maldon District Council, Princes Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    AGP@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    The Plume Academy AGP is managed in partnership between Plume Academy and Maldon District Council. The pitch hosts Academy and community usage weekdays and weekends. On site parking via Academy car park.

  7. Southminster War Memorial

    Address

    St Leonard's Church, Station Rd, Southminster, Essex, CM10 7EW

    Telephone

    01621 772300

    vicar@stleonardsouthminster.org.uk

    Southminster

    Southminster War Memorial is a 2.4m obelisk in the grounds of St Leonard's Church, bearing the names of 75 casualties of war.

  8. Johns Salon

    Address

    162 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    07534 090421

    Burnham

    Professional men's hairdressing, barber for men and boys by Sarah Mitchell. Hair and beard products available to purchase.

  9. Read & Simpson

    Address

    78 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621853274

    jamesreeceford@gmail.com

    Maldon

    Timeless jewellery for every occasion and pocket. Bespoke and interesting, prêt-à-porter pieces from the classic and traditional to the quirky and contemporary. We are also specialists in bespoke and handmade jewellery, repairs and alterations,…

  10. One Stop

    Address

    40 High Street, Burnham, CM0 8AA

    Telephone

    01621 782161

    Burnham


    Local convenience store with chilled food, groceries, ATM, National Lottery, Pay Point. Branded items and value-for-money own brand range. Off-licence and confectionery.

  11. Three Dengie Pubs Walk

    Address

    Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SA

    Stow Maries

    This walk features attractive countryside, a disused railway and three superb examples of village pubs on the Dengie Peninsula. All three offer excellent ranges of local beers and food to tempt you, before or after your walk.

  12. Christmas Among the Trees

    Address

    Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, CM3 6RW

    Telephone

    07717 822598

    christmasamongthetrees@gmail.com

    Purleigh

    Christmas shop with fresh Nordman Fir Christmas trees, decorations and festive essentials.

  13. The Cirdan Sailing Trust

    Address

    Bradwell Marina, Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7RB

    Telephone

    01621 776684

    info@cirdantrust.org

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.

  14. Burnham-on-Crouch parkrun

    Address

    Riverside Park, Riverside Park, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    burnhamoncrouch@parkrun.com

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

  15. Illusions Hair Salon

    Address

    Above 140 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Telephone

    01621 856816

    Maldon

    Illusions Hair Salon is a unisex hairdresser on the first floor of this historic Tudor building.

  16. Dengie Petting Zoo

    Address

    On the Latch, Burnham Road, Latchingdon, CM3 6BL

    Telephone

    07930 243225

    jcpartypets@gmail.com

    Latchingdon

    Dengie Petting Zoo is run by J&C Party Pets, owners of Maldon Promenade Zoo. This smaller venue, in the grounds of On The Latch restaurant, has around 20 species of animals, most of which are rescued. The playful meerkats are a particular favourite…

  17. 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.

  18. Burnham War Memorial

    Address

    High Street, Burnham, CM0 8AG

    Burnham

    Burnham’s war memorial remembers 98 local soldiers who died in the First World War, and 27 soldiers and 10 civilians who died in the Second World War. The pale stone obelisk, which looks out over the estuary, was designed by the renowned architect R…

  19. Chigborough Pottery Painting Studio

    Address

    2 Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07702244440

    chigboroughfarm@gmail.com

    Heybridge

    Pottery Painting Studio available for single family bookings only. Please text 07702244440 if you would like to book.

  20. Block Builders Construction Club

    Address

    Maldon Library, Carmelite House, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5FW

    Telephone

    0345 603 7628

    maldon.library@essex.gov.uk

    White Horse Lane , Maldon

    Tuesdays. A fun brick building club for children of all ages at Maldon Library - FREE to take part. All materials are provided and the activity is available on Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:30pm.

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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