Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve
Colchester, Essex
About Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve
The huge expanse of Essex and Suffolk Water's Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve is one of Europe's top wetland sites and a great trip for families either to enjoy it superficially or to chart your exploration in depth and see how species you can see!
There are plenty of wild ducks, swans and other water birds, partially (if you'd like to know) because it lies close to east coast migration routes and, with its surrounding envelope of pasture and tree plantations, is a welcome sight to tired birds! Up to 40,000 of them visit each year so this is a top spot to take little twitchers!
The top 7 species represented are Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Black headed Gull, but added to this there can be hundreds of Shoveler, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Pintail and Great Crested Grebe! In the spring there is the unusual sight of Cormorants nesting in trees, one of the few places in Britain where they do this so a significant note for your bird book.
Good disabled access to the visitor centre (all on one level) and viewing area plus adapted toilet facilities, so everyone can come and enjoy!
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
Closed 25th & 26th December.
Pricing & Tickets
Free admission
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Last Updated: 15:23 11/06/2025
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