Phyllis Currie Nature Reserve

Sloping down to a tributary of the River Ter, this varied landscape is a great place to see Kingfishers and Dragonflies

Location

Great Leighs

CM3 1PE

OS Map Reference

TL722181

Know before you go

Size

9 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

Space for 4 cars

Grazing animals

Sheep grazing in August

Walking trails

Narrow hard surface track that is pushchair and wheelchair friendly down the side of the meadow with a boardwalk through the wet woodland with a pond dipping platform

Cicrucular paths unsurfaced through the reserve

Access

Wheelchair path leading from both entrances around the lake

Dogs

Dogs permitted

Under effective control

Facilities

Bird hides

When to visit

Opening times

Accessible at all times

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Left to Essex Wildlife Trust by Phyllis Currie, there are a variety of habitats that support plenty of plants, birds and insects.

The stunning lake and surrounding streams are fantastic for dragonflies and damselflies, with over 13 species being recorded. Keep an eye out for a flash of blue and orange along the streams and ditches as this is a great reserve for spotting kingfishers, while amongst the reedbed look for the elusive water rail.

The grassland and glades bloom with colour in the spring and summer, with numerous Orchid species popping up throughout. Among the wildflowers this grassland also provides the perfect breeding grounds for a number of butterflies, with records of 23 species seen here.

Read an account of the history of Phyllis Currie nature reserve by former warden, Sylvia Jiggins:

Read account