Home » UK & Ireland Wildlife »
East Anglia »
Essex »
Chafford Gorges Nature Reserve - Essex Wildlife Trust
View location on map
Chafford Gorges Nature Reserve - Essex Wildlife Trust
Chafford Gorges is a spectacular site, a true breathing place where people can unwind from the stresses and strains of everyday life and where wildlife can continue to flourish in a very developed area. The nature reserve is unique, offering visitors the opportunity to experience wildlife, history and geology. The site was a former chalk quarry and the cliffs demonstrate the history of the site. The cliffs at the southern end contain many fossils. Although in an urban area and very close to Lakeside shopping centre, there is a wealth of wildlife to be seen and enjoyed at Chafford Gorges. A spectacular array of wild flowers can be enjoyed, including 11 species of stunning Orchids, Kidney Vetch and Bladder Campion.
Wildlife highlights: The large lakes, meadows and woodland are also an ideal habitat for a wide range of other animals and birds including; Great Crested Newts, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers and Sand Martins. Reed and Cetti's warblers sing in the reeds and Hobbies or House Martins feed over the lakes. In winter the Gorges are visited by birds such as Siskin, Redpoll and Pochard.
Four different species of bats have been recorded and they can be seen feeding over the lakes on a warm summers evening. The old quarry tunnels have been fitted with grilles to protect bats that are roosting inside.
Location & access: Chafford Gorges visitor centre is within walking distance of Chafford Hundred railway station.
Address: Drake Rd, Chafford Hundred, Grays, Thurrock, RM16 7RG
Opening: Daily, except Mondays. 9am-5pm
Dogs restricted to certain areas or to certain specified times.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
Read the comments about this article and leave your own comment