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.

Map & Directions

Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

Tel: 01621 862960

Opening Times

* Accessible at all times.

What's Nearby

  1. An area of worked-out flooded gravel pits to the north of the River Blackwater. It has a…

    0 miles away
  2. A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home…

    0.82 miles away
  3. Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is…

    0.86 miles away
  1. The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during…

    0.92 miles away
  2. Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat…

    1.12 miles away
  3. Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the…

    1.14 miles away
  4. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    1.16 miles away
  5. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    1.16 miles away
  6. This charming Grade I Listed church has a 12th century nave and 14th century chancel.…

    1.16 miles away
  7. Located near to the centre of Heybridge, this site has good access from the surrounding…

    1.2 miles away
  8. Heybridge War Memorial is a Grade II Listed memorial made from creamy Portland limestone…

    1.23 miles away
  9. Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a…

    1.43 miles away
  10. Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall…

    1.5 miles away
  11. A Grade I Listed building, this 12th century church was restored during the 15th century…

    1.51 miles away
  12. One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension,…

    1.54 miles away
  13. 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 41 to 60.

  1. Address

    Church Street, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex, CM9 8TS

    Tolleshunt D'Arcy

    St Nicholas Church is Grade I listed. Its churchyard extension, a little way up the road, has three Commonwealth War Graves.

  2. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    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.

  3. 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.

  4. Address

    Church Hill, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RF

    Telephone

    01245 373686

    Woodham Walter

    This is a steeply sloping site with a relatively flat area at the top of the site. The elevated position allows good views over the village of Woodham Walter and beyond to the Chelmer Valley. A new children's playground has recently been built and…

  5. Address

    The Quay, Burnham, CM0 8AT

    Telephone

    07583 888888

    Burnham

    Gift shop on The Quay in Burnham which supports independent artists, designers and makers. Stocks beautiful, unique hand made products and gifts, plus toys, cards, setts, preserves, jewellery and local Burnham on Crouch souvenirs.

  6. Address

    Althorne, Essex, CM9 6DG

    Althorne

    A picturesque 5.65 mile linear walk along the coast between the villages of Althorne and North Fambridge; this allows you to get a train from North Fambridge station at the end of the walk to return to the start.

  7. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 776256

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Get on the water with Essex Outdoors and experience a day out with a difference on board a high speed RIB powerboat on the River Blackwater Estuary. Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy…

  8. Address

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

    Maldon

    A prepared area where you can bring your own bowls or petanque set and enjoy a relaxing game.

  9. Address

    Church Rd, Ulting, Essex, CM9 6QU

    Telephone

    01245 380958

    Ulting

    All Saints Church stands in a picturesque setting on the River Chelmer. It is Grade II* Listed and was built in 1150, with a barrel vaulted chancel roof. There is a Commonwealth War Grave in the churchyard.

  10. Address

    1 Chandlers Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LF

    Telephone

    07801 364 135

    Maldon

    Marigold Charters offers sailing adventures on and around the river Blackwater. Their vessel Marigold is a Gravesend Bawley built upon the lines of the Lilliam in 1869.

  11. 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…

  12. Address

    Church Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

    Telephone

    01621 857191

    Maldon

    St. Mary's Church is known locally as the Fisherman's Church as its tower guides sailors and their craft into the Hythe Quay. The existing building dates from 1130, but archaeological evidence suggests that it used to be the site of a Saxon church.

  13. Address

    Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4AL

    Telephone

    01621 852471

    Heybridge

    Located near to the centre of Heybridge, this site has good access from the surrounding area. Large car park, modern hall, enclosed children's play site and football pitch.Also know locally as the 'Planny' after Plantation Hall.

  14. Address

    Burnham Baptist Church, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    07887321610

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Community dance and yoga studio serving the community of Burnham-on-Crouch and the surrounding area.

  15. Address

    Burnham, CM0 8SY

    Telephone

    07821 176161

    Burnham

    Burnham Cycling Club is a new, friendly club whose members enjoy all kinds of cycling, including road riding, mountain biking MTB, cyclocross, TT and racing. New members are welcome to join in friendly, non-competitive rides for all.

  16. Address

    Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

    Telephone

    01621 740370

    North Fambridge

    Fambridge Yacht Haven at North Fambridge is a peaceful retreat for families, rallies and solo-travellers. From fine riverside walks to country pubs and plenty of children's attractions, there's so much to discover! With a direct train line to…

  17. Address

    Northey Cottage, Northey Island, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6PP

    Maldon

    Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a causeway that is covered by the tide twice every day. It is a Site of special scientific interest with a large area of undisturbed Saltmarsh. It is also the site…

  18. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    The Deckchair Hut, operated by The Maldon Deckchair Company is offering deckchair hire at Promenade Park - sit in comfort to watch the children play, the barges sail by or simply soak up the sunshine or enjoy a picnic.

    Deckchairs have to be booked…

  19. Address

    9-10 King George's Place, 122 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BZ

    Maldon

    Costcutter convenience store with everyday essentials, frozen food, pet food, confectionary and off-lience. Also home to the Post Office with a full range of counter services including Vehicle Tax, international Driving Permits, MoneyGram, document…

  20. Address

    Burnham-on-Crouch station, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8BQ

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.2 miles. This attractive linear pub walk takes you from the charming riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch in a steady climb across the final outlier of the rolling farmland of central Essex, before reaching…

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