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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: 459

, currently showing 201 to 220.

  1. Shut Heath Wood

    Address

    Great Totham, Essex, CM8 3ED

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    admin@essexwt.org.uk

    Great Totham

    This 50 acre reserve is just below the crest of the Great Totham Ridge and includes 23 acres of ancient woodland forming part of the Chantry Wood complex. A wonderful carpet of Bluebells can be enjoyed in the spring.

  2. 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.

  3. On the Wall Distillery

    Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 776074

    onthewalldistillery@gmail.com

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    A new craft gin distillery in Bradwell-on-Sea is creating fine gins with a selection of the best botanicals, including juniper berries from Italy and angelica root, lemon, orange and rose petals. On The Wall Distillery is home to the N653 gin with…

  4. Cold Norton Playing Field

    Address

    Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6JQ

    Telephone

    01621 829566

    mariadyer30@yahoo.co.uk

    Cold Norton

    Well equipped and maintained site in a pleasant setting with views to the north west towards the Blackwater estuary. Village hall, car park, football pitch, basketball court, skateboard ramps, childrens play site, wildflower meadow & copse.

  5. Tollesbury Wick Marshes Walk - Self-Guided Walk No. 4.2 / 4.3

    Address

    Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8QU

    Tollesbury

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 5.8 or 8.9 miles. Tollesbury Wick Marshes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Tollesbury is now renowned as a yachting centre; once upon a time the marshes were the haunt of smugglers.

  6. 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.

  7. Paraphernalia

    Address

    Paraphernalia, as its name suggests, stocks a wide variety of useful things! You will find sewing and crafting supplies, including card, knitting wool, haberdashery and thread, art and crafts for kids, storage, bakeware and household items, plus…

  8. 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.

  9. Rickett's Lock

    Address

    Ulting Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QB

    Maldon

    Rickett's Lock and Gates is a Grade II listed site serving watercraft travelling along the River Chelmer, between Chelmsford and Maldon.

    The site was first listed by Historic England in November 1985, and was constructed in around 1797 by engineer…

  10. Crouch Ridge Vineyard

    Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

    Telephone

    01621 450450

    info@crouchridge.com

    Althorne, Nr Chelmsford

    Come for our Fine Award winning wines and stay for the view! Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch, located in the beautiful village of Althorne. Visit us for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea; Taste and Tour, Pair and Share.
    The Wine Barn has…

  11. Totham Hill Recreation Ground

    Address

    Braxted Lane, Great Totham, Maldon, CM9 8DD

    Telephone

    01621 891474

    greattothamparishcouncil@btinternet.com

    Great Totham

    A pleasant, undulating site, approximately half woodland and half grassland with some large oak trees. Childrens play site, basketball net and kickabout area.

  12. Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation

    Address

    Paper Mill Office, CM9 4RY

    Telephone

    01245 226245

    anthony.comber@waterways.org.uk

    This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.

  13. Heybridge General Store & Post Office

    Address

    Unit 3B, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Maldon, CM9 4GD

    Telephone

    01621 850590

    Maldon

    The new Heybridge General Store and Post Office also offers stationery, books, news and magazines, essentials, snacks and an off-licence,

  14. Maldon Prom Skate Park

    Address

    Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    Situated in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon, the Skate Park features a variety of ramps, jumps, rails and other obstacles for all ages and abilities.

    The Skate Park offers the perfect safe space for skaters whether you're a pro or just…

  15. Maldon Wick & Wycke Meadow

    Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 6GG

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    admin@essexwt.org.uk

    Maldon

    This 15 acre reserve consists of 1.5 miles of the former Maldon-Woodham Ferrers railway line, most of it on embankment. The area includes as small nature reserve with large pond

  16. St Nicholas Tillingham; including War Memorial & Commonwealth War Graves

    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.

  17. Goldhanger Sailing Club

    Address

    Fish Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AX

    Telephone

    01621 788145

    secetary@goldhangersailingclub.org.uk

    Goldhanger

    Goldhanger Sailing Club

  18. Maldon Methodist Church

    Address

    135A High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 853423

    mwbarrya@mweb.co.za

    Maldon

    Maldon Methodist Church has a varied programme of worship and activities. The main Sunday service is at 10:30 which features both traditional and modern hymns, with occasional livelier services aimed at young families. There are regular coffee…

  19. Statue of Byrhtnoth

    Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon…

  20. Code Club at Wickham Bishops Library

    Address

    School Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3NU

    Telephone

    0345 6037628

    WickhamBishops.Library@essex.gov.uk

    Wickham Bishops

    Saturdays. A Saturday club for 8-13 year olds to explore and enjoy coding through the creation of animation and games. ​​​​​​​Computer available but you can bring your own laptop if you have one.

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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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