Essex Wildlife Trust Chafford Gorges Nature Park

Chafford Gorges visitor centre is set in a spectacular position overlooking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred. The visitor centre offers visitors a well-stocked gift shop, optical equipment, toilets and a wonderful terrace at the back, where refreshments can be enjoyed whilst admiring the view over the Gorges. There are regular activities for adults, children, families and schools on the site. 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 9 species of stunning Orchids, Kidney Vetch and Bladder Campion. 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. 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.

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