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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 281 to 300.

  1. St Andrew's Church, Althorne

    Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BY

    lucientaylor@yahoo.co.uk

    Althorne

    St Andrew's is a Grade II listed building with a tower dating back to around 1500, although it is in need of restoration and funds are being raised. It has a modern church hall available for hire.

  2. Millennium Wood

    Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    contact@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    Millenium Wood is an extension of Promenade Park & is a wildlife area consisting of woodland plantation, scrub & rough grassland.

  3. Londis

    Address

    83-85 Washington Road, Maldon, CM9 6JE

    Telephone

    01621 854835

    Maldon

    Friendly convenience store with wines and beers, cold soft drinks, a good selection of groceries and everyday essentials plus sweets and chocolates.

  4. Sir William Arnold Lifeboat Experience

    Address

    Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

    Telephone

    020 8168 5202

    lifeboat5202@gmail.com

    Heybridge Basin

    Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat is a 52ft Arun class lifeboat that was built in 1973 and served all her lifesaving career at St Peter Port in Guernsey. During her career, the lifeboat went on…

  5. Bradwell Community Shop & Post Office

    Address

    The High Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7QN

    Telephone

    01621 776274

    info@bradwellcommunityshop.co.uk

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    The shop is owned and run by members of the Bradwell-on-Sea community and stocks a wide range of products including fresh bread baked by Golden Platter of Mayland, The Secret Butcher meat and cheese (from Burnham), local honey, fresh organic produce…

  6. Burnham Quay

    Address

    The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AR

    Telephone

    01621 784785

    TIC@maldon.gov.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Burnham's picturesque quayside is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

  7. Tollesbury Congregational Church

    Address

    East St, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QD

    Telephone

    01621 869230

    philip.grove@tollesburychurch.co.uk

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

  8. Maldon Prom BMX Track

    Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    Situated in Maldon's Promenade Park, the Maldon Prom BMX Track offers an off-road course with jumps, corners and areas to perform tricks and stunts for riders of all ages and abilities.

    The BMX Track has been designed to offer a safe space for…

  9. Essex Outdoors - Bradwell

    Address

    Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

    Telephone

    0345 200420

    hello@essexoutdoors.com

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.

  10. Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary

    Address

    Maldon Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7HU

    Telephone

    -

    Fiona@towerhillstables.com

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Information: Founded in 1993 by Fiona Oakes, Tower Hill Animal Sanctuary is a forever home to over 450 rescued animals, both domestic and ex-farm.

  11. Meatline

    Address

    12e West Station Yard, Maldon, CM9 6TW

    Telephone

    0203 39 77719

    info@meatline.co.uk

    Maldon

    Meatline is a family business with three shops, including the West Station Yard store in Maldon, selling to the public and trade customers. Meatline specialises in meat selection packs as well as a wide variety of items for the barbeque. Home…

  12. The Book Nook

    Address

    19 West Street, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8RJ

    book.nook.tollesbury@gmail.com

    Tollesbury

    An independent book shop in Tollesbury, built by the community for the community and providing new and used books.

    The shop, has a small tearoom, books and games for customers, free Wi-Fi, and remote working space. Local talks, author events, and…

  13. Mens Barbers Ltd

    Address

    40 White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5QP

    Telephone

    01621 855113

    Maldon

    Mens (Hair)

  14. MAC Theatre - Maldon Actors Company

    Address

    253 Mundon Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6PW

    Nicola@mactheatre.co.uk

    Maldon

    MacTheatre - Maldon Actors Company was set up in 1995 by professional actors Barrie Jaimeson and Nicola Esson to raise awareness and status of the Arts in the Maldon District. We produce high quality theatre and Arts Events.

    The company became a…

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. Maldon Town Walk - Self-Guided Walk No.1.5

    Address

    White Horse Lane car park, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QP

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. If you want a mud-free stroll which takes in the lesser-known parts of Maldon then this walk is a good option. This easy circuit of Maldon uses plenty of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to…

  19. Dengie Hundred Sports Centre

    Address

    Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Telephone

    01621 784633

    enquiries@dengiehundredsportscentre.org

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    The newly re-furbished Dengie Hundred Sports Centre is a Community Sports Centre, committed to delivering fantastic facilities and service. Choose from our wide range of classes, including spinning /indoor group cycling, activities and facilities.

  20. Beeleigh Abbey Gardens

    Address

    Off London Road, Beeleigh, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

    Maldon

    Three acres of riverside gardens in a picturesque and historic setting dating from the 13th century.

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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