Country parks and local nature reserves

Lexden Springs Local Nature Reserve, known locally as 'The Loop', was declared a nature reserve in 1990 and was the first local nature reserve to be opened in Colchester, it is also designated as a local wildlife site. 

How to get there 

On foot: there are three pedestrian entrances to the site, one from Spring Lane, one from Hurnard Drive, plus an entrance off of Lexden Road near the junction to Tapwood’s.  

By bike: Colchester by bike map.  

By road: no official parking area is provided for the site. Some limited local parking is available on Spring Lane. 

Opening times

All day, every day. 

Facilities and access 

• Walking routes: benches are located at intervals along the circular walk in the upper meadow (0.5km). The path network is un-surfaced with fairly steep slopes, can be quite muddy at times. 
• Walking routes across the lower and upper meadow, paths not cut on lower meadow. 

History, vegetation and wildlife 

The site consists of 1.8ha of unimproved meadow, rich in locally scarce wildflowers. These include the Harebell, Pignut and the Devil's-bit Scabious. 

At the base of the slope is a pond formed from a natural spring. The water flows out of the pond all year round creating an interesting marshy habitat below and in the lower meadow. The stream flows into the River Colne on the other side of the Avenue of Remembrance. 

Our work 

The meadow is managed by cutting and removing the arisings in October. This ensures that the flower species are not cut until they have set seed. The perimeter habitat of scrub and trees are cut on rotation to provide diverse structure and age across the site.   

Occasional guided walks are provided. Currently there are no forest schools on site or 'friends' groups associated with the site. 

Colchester Natural History Society lead events here with the countryside ranger team. From moth evenings to bat walks and more general wildlife events, they guide walks across the city. More information on their events can be found through their website.