Chigborough Road, Heybridge, near Maldon, Essex CM9 4RD

Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

6.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideWetlandWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

6.2

Former gravel pits flooded and transformed into a reserve of lakes, marshy ground, grassland, scrub and willow carr, with more than 120 bird species recorded.

Chigborough’s appeal is the variety packed into a short circular visit: old gravel workings now hold open water, marsh, grazed grassland and scrub, with birds and flowers to look for along the way. The 2 km trails and benches make it a manageable place to slow down and watch the changing habitats.

Peaceful · Wildlife-rich

Find your way

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Chigborough Road, Heybridge, near Maldon, Essex CM9 4RD

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The experience

Allow around 1–2 hours to follow the circular trails, pause on a bench and look across the different habitats for birds and seasonal flowers. The reserve has a small car park; expect muddy paths in winter.

Things to do

Walk the circular trails

Follow the 2 km circular trails around the lakes and through the reserve’s mix of open water, marshy areas, grazed grassland and scrub.

Allow around 1–2 hours

Watch birds from the lakeside

Take time at a bench to scan the open water and edges. More than 120 bird species have been recorded at the reserve; Little Egret and Great Crested Grebe are among those named in the reserve information.

Look for spring flowers

Check the pathsides and grassland for flowers listed for the reserve, including Common Spotted Orchid, Bee Orchid, Heath Speedwell, Common Stork’s-bill and Wild Strawberry.

Notice the reserve’s willow variety

Look for the range of willows recorded here, including Almond and Purple Willow, and the recently pollarded Cricket Bat Willows.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow around 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: the lakeside loop

01
Start from the small car park.
02
Follow the reserve’s circular trails around the lakes.
03
Pause at a bench to watch the water and look for birds.
04
Notice how the route moves between open water, marshy areas, grassland and scrub.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: linger over habitats and wildlife

01
Walk the 2 km circular trails at an unhurried pace.
02
Spend time at the benches scanning the lakes and marshy edges for birds.
03
Look for spring flowers, including the orchids listed in the reserve information.
04
If extending the outing beyond the reserve, check local options and opening details before travelling.

Verified history

The reserve occupies former gravel pits. Essex Wildlife Trust describes the land as flooded and transformed into a wildlife haven. The supplied reserve information does not give dates for the extraction or conversion.

Hidden details

Eleven varieties of willow — The reserve information lists eleven varieties, including Almond and Purple Willow, as well as recently pollarded Cricket Bat Willows.

A strong bird record for a compact reserve — More than 120 bird species have been recorded here, and more than 40 have bred at some time.

When to go

· Check before visiting; the supplied reserve information does not specify a preferred time of day.

Essex Wildlife Trust describes the reserve as an all-year destination and highlights spring flowers and spring migrant birds. Winter paths may be muddy.

Some footpaths may be muddy during winter. Check current conditions before visiting.

The route

distance: 2 km of circular trails
duration: Not specified; allow around 1–2 hours for a visit
route shape: Circular trails
start point: Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve; the supplied source gives OS grid reference TL 877 086.
parking start: A small car park is available. Nearest postcode given by Essex Wildlife Trust: CM9 4RD.

Lakes and flooded gravel pits
Marshy areas, grazed grassland and scrub
Benches for stopping and watching wildlife
More than 120 recorded bird species

What to look for

Look across the lakes for Little Egret and Great Crested Grebe, both named in the reserve information. In spring and summer, keep an eye out for Common Spotted and Bee Orchids. Notice the contrast between open water, marshy edges, grazed grassland, scrub and willow carr.

The story

Former gravel pits transformed into a wildlife reserve.

Best time to go

All year. Spring brings flowers and migrant birds; check current reserve guidance for seasonal wildlife.

Visit in spring for flowers and migrant birds, or choose a quiet time when you can linger at the benches and watch the lakes. Wildlife sightings vary.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers