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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 161 to 180.

  1. Maldon East and Heybridge Railway Station (Disused)

    Address

    Station House, Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ

    Maldon

    Maldon East and Heybridge railway station served the town of Maldon and nearby village of Heybridge between 1848 and 1964.

  2. St Nicholas's, Tolleshunt D'Arcy

    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.

  3. Woodham Mortimer Hall - Blue Plaque Site

    Address

    Woodham Mortimer Hall, Maldon Road, Woodham Mortimer, CM9 6SN

    Woodham Mortimer

    Woodham Mortimer Hall is a private home, with no public access. The 15th century hall with its distinctive brick chimneys, heavily redeveloped in the early 17th century, was the home of obstetrician Dr Peter Chamberlen whose family invented the…

  4. Brickhouse Farm

    Address

    Poulton Close, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6GA

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    contact@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    An area of grassland featuring a birch copse and an allotment area. The allotment area is managed by Maldon Town Council who can be contacted on 01621 857373.

  5. Maldon Studios

    Address

    Online gallery, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Telephone

    07970 605361

    angeliquehartigan@gmail.com

    Maldon

    Angelique Hartigan is a Maldon-based artist who sells online at Maldon Studios. She specialises in local landmarks and landscapes, inspired by the pretty town and the surrounding countryside which she shares daily and in all weathers with her dogs…

  6. Pamper Me Pretty

    Address

    Unit 5, The Kings Head Centre, 38 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PN

    Telephone

    01621 927102

    Info@pampermeprettyparties.co.uk

    Maldon

    Pamper me Pretty offers a dedicated space for children to have a luxury pamper party. With a custom built stylish pamper room it is the perfect location for an unforgettable experience.

  7. Burnham Sailing Club

    Address

    West Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AS

    Telephone

    01621 782624

    enquiries@burnhamsc.co.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Our club offers a friendly atmosphere, a varied social programme and good facilities. We provide excellent training for our strong junior section. There is competitive Wednesday evening racing for cruisers, day boats and dinghies.

  8. 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.

  9. Maylands Baptist Church

    Address

    St Barnabas Family Centre, Imperial Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AH

    Telephone

    01621 741770

    Mayland

    Maylands Baptist Church is a small, friendly fellowship enjoying a relaxed, informal style of worship. With no regular Pastor, the congregation enjoys a variety of preachers and speakers from many Christian sources and organisations. These often…

  10. La Beauty Paradise

    Address

    9-10 Mildmay House, Foundry Lane, Burnham, CM0 8BL

    Telephone

    01621 786688

    Burnham

    Beauty salon offering a range of treatments including nail art, eyebrow and lash tints, anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, needle-free Collagen Lift for face and body, microdermabrasion and facials.

  11. New Hall Wine Estate Vineyards

    Address

    Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN

    Telephone

    01621 828343

    newhall@newhallwines.co.uk

    Purleigh

    New Hall Vineyard is an English Wine Producer with around 50 hectares of vines and is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Wine tasting and purchasing is available in the shop and a self-guided walk is open to explore the vines. Regular…

  12. East of England Paddlesports

    Address

    Telephone

    07704 607 964

    info@eastofenglandpaddlesports.co.uk

    East of England Paddlesports is a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying getting out on the water around Essex and surrounding areas. The group organises trips and events, offers tuition and has a buy and sell group for equipment…

  13. Maldon Little Ship Club

    Address

    The Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 854139

    secretary@mlsc.org.uk

    Maldon

    The Club offers a variety of summer sailing programme and winter socials, RYA training courses and moorings. Both novice and experienced boat owners are welcome.

  14. McColls and Post Office

    Address

    2 High Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8RG

    Telephone

    01621 868684

    Tollesbury

    Convenience store selling groceries, confectionery, cards, wines and spirits, newspapers and more. Includes the Post Office, National Lottery and Cashpoint.

  15. Longfields

    Address

    Princes Road, Maldon, CM9 5DL

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    contact@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    Longfields is at the hub of a network of paths and cycleways joining Fambridge Road, Wantz Road and the High Street. Large grass area, enclosed play site, youth shelter, The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Avenue, car park.

  16. LunaBlue Interiors

    Address

    16 King's Head Centre, 38 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PN

    info@lunablueinteriors.com

    Maldon

    Welcome to LunaBlue Interiors, a place for quirky home decor and upcycled furniture! All products are hand made, hand painted and made with love. We are passionate about inspiring customers to be creative with your interiors and therefore all…

  17. Goldhanger and Blackwater Estuary - Self-Guided Walk No. 3.2

    Address

    Church Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AS

    Goldhanger

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 8.3 miles. This long, circular walk combines farmland and seawall around the charming and historic village of Goldhanger, with its cottages, pubs and 11th century church.

  18. Chic

    Address

    Chic, 98 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 856301

    Maldon

    Chic

  19. SEN Soft Play Sessions at Monkey Puzzle

    Address

    Madison Heights, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 850222

    info@madisonheights.info

    Maldon

    Monkey Puzzle is holding a monthly play session during term times for children with additional needs (SEND). The sessions are closed to the general public, allowing a safe and comfortable play session for children with disabilities and their…

  20. Pirates Bay Adventure Golf

    Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 854095

    info@piratesbaymaldon.co.uk

    Maldon

    Pirates Bay is an exciting 19 hole adventure Golf Course offering loads of fun for all ages.

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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