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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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Map & Directions

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View Map and What's Nearby

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 261 to 280.

  1. St Barnabas Church

    Address

    Mayland Hill, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6DZ

    Telephone

    01621 742596

    sallyannwood@hotmail.com

    Mayland

    St Barnabas Church is located a short drive away from the residential area of the village with spectacular views of the neighbouring farms and fields. The church is nestled in a well kept churchyard with six Commonwealth War Graves, and many…

  2. Hythe Quay

    Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    tourism@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. Linking the award-winning Promenade Park with the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High…

  3. Chigborough Yoga Session

    Address

    Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07903827736

    chigboroughfarm@gmail.com

    Heybridge

    One-to-one and family group yoga sessions available. Please book in advance by texting 07903827736.

  4. The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall

    Address

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

    stpeterschapel@outlook.com

    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…

  5. Harlow (Blackwater) Sailing Club

    Address

    Seaview Parade, End of North Drive, Maylandsea, Essex, CM3 6EL

    Telephone

    01621 740300

    secretary@harlow-blackwater-sc.co.uk

    Maylandsea

    Situated on Lawling Creek off the Blackwater Estuary the HBSC caters for dinghy and cruiser owners, racers and pleasure sailors, beginners and experts.

  6. S Thorogood Farm Shop

    Address

    New Moor Farm, Tillingham Road, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7DS

    Telephone

    07703 577523

    asparagus@newmoor.co.uk

    Southminster

    Thorogood's asparagus has a reputation for being some of the most delicious in the country, and each year there's a short season when you can buy the freshest possible asparagus straight from the farm.

  7. Burnham Wharf Heritage Community Interest Company

    Address

    18 Regents Court Kings Road, Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PP

    Telephone

    07831686741

    john.boyce132@gmail.com

    Burnham-On-Crouch

    The Burnham Wharf Heritage C.I.C. is a dedicated community interest company with a noble mission: to restore and recover the rich maritime industrial heritage along the Burnham-on-Crouch waterfront. Their tireless efforts ensure that these…

  8. Burnham United Reformed Church URC

    Address

    Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HF

    Telephone

    01621 783393

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Burnham-on-Crouch United Reformed Church (URC) has a modern building in Station Road and meets for worship on Sunday mornings at 10.30am as well as hosting a wide range of groups and events throughout the week, including youth clubs, children's…

  9. Lawling Playing Field

    Address

    Katonia Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AD

    Telephone

    01621 743551

    maylandpc@btinternet.com

    Mayland

    A large well equipped rec ground with good access for cars & pedestrians. Football pitches, floodlit tennis/5 a side courts, a range of play equipment for older children, rebound wall, youth shelter & large erath mounds for BMXing.

  10. Jacobs Farm Shop

    Address

    Jacobs Farm, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4YA

    Telephone

    01621 853395

    Maldon

    Fresh local vegetables and fruit are available from Jacob's Farm Shop in Heybridge, run by J.McCready & Son, a family business based in Heybridge and Tolleshunt Major. The farm shop is especially known for its local apples, including the famous…

  11. Maldon War Memorial

    Address

    Outside All Saints Church, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PF

    Maldon

    The war memorial in Maldon stands in the High Street outside All Saints Church and is a Grade II Listed white stone cross on a plinth and base, with bronze plaques set into the design. It was designed by Chelmsford Architect Wykeham Chancellor and…

  12. My Healthy Indian

    Address

    Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EZ

    Telephone

    0754504124

    heena@myhealthyindian.com

    Latchingdon

    Learn to cook authentic yummy Indian food with Heena at My Healthy Indian! Heena hosts food events and cooking workshops teaching healthy and easy Indian curries in the charming village of Latchingdon, Essex.

  13. Pets at Home

    Address

    Wycke Hill Business Park, Wycke Hill, Maldon, CM9 6TU

    Telephone

    0345 600 1795

    Maldon

    Pets at Home stocks all your pet care needs, whether it's for dogs and cats, small animals or fish, reptiles and birds. Helpful and well-trained staff can answer your queries and help you choose the right food and accessories for your pet.

  14. St Bartholomew's Church

    Address

    Church Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3LA

    Telephone

    01621 892867

    priest@churchinwickhambishops.org.uk

    Wickham Bishops

    St Bartholomew's Church is Grade II Listed and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic church architecture. In the churychyard you will find three Commonwealth War Graves.

  15. Blackwater Sailing Club

    Address

    Basin Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4SD

    Telephone

    01621 853923

    secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk

    Maldon

    A family sailing club situated on the upper reaches of the Blackwater with comprehensive facilities for cruisers and dinghies. Large cadet section. Members' guests welcome and temporary membership available.

  16. All Saints' Church, Little Totham

    Address

    Church Lane, Little Totham, CM9 8LU

    Telephone

    07908 776750

    office.blackwaterbenefice@gmail.com

    Little Totham

    This charming Grade I Listed church has a 12th century nave and 14th century chancel. There's a fine 17th century altar tomb monument and a 15th century font. In the churchyard are two Commonwealth War Graves.

  17. St Mary's Church, Mundon

    Address

    Vicarage Lane, Mundon, Essex, CM9 6PA

    Mundon

    The church of St. Mary in Mundon is cared for by the Friends of Friendless Churches and it is now conserved as a Grade 1 listed medieval church. After a major programme of restoration and repair it is once again open to the public daily.

  18. St Lawrence Heritage Church

    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.

  19. Thames Sailing Barge Trust

    Address

    Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HR

    Telephone

    07840 862685

    bookings@bargetrust.org

    Maldon

    Experience the pleasure and excitement of sailing on a historic Thames sailing barge.

    The Thames Sailing Barge Trust, a registered charity which owns the sailing barges Pudge and Centaur.

    To view and book our trips visit www.bargetrust…

  20. Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Maldon Library

    Address

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

    Telephone

    0345 603 7628

    maldon.library@essex.gov.uk

    Maldon

    Tuesdays and Fridays. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! No need to book, just come along and join in the rhyme time fun.

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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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