A NATURE reserve is now officially open after years of work to preserve and protect a site in Maldon.

The Chelmer Blackwater Reserve in Ironworks Meadow has finally opened its doors to the public.

The initial phase of work on a boardwalk area in the meadow was completed in January. 

Its opening was officially celebrated by members of the Chelmer Blackwater Reserve Community Interest Company, supporters and donors.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Family area: the nature reserve is a great place for families to enjoyFamily area: the nature reserve is a great place for families to enjoy (Image: Chelmer Blackwater Reserve)

Jane Fleming,E ssex County Councillor for Maldon, cut the ribbon at the launch event, and Maldon Council leader Kevin Lagan and Maldon town mayor Andrew Lay were also at the event.

During the celebration visitors enjoyed live music from Brandy Hole Shantymen and Friends, snacks donated by Tesco and Ironworks Meadow Ale donated by Mighty Oak Brewery.

The community interest company was set up two years ago to preserve the Ironworks Meadow and manage it as a nature reserve for the public after the site was advertised for sale as an industrial estate.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Reserve opening: representatives cutting the ribbon at the event Reserve opening: representatives cutting the ribbon at the event (Image: Chelmer Blackwater Reserve)

New bridges and walkways have been built to allow for public access to the site while protecting the wildlife thanks to grants and donations.

The group is encouraging as many people as possible to become involved and the CIC already has over 200 local shareholders.

The site is situated between the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Canal and the tidal River Chelmer.

The reserve is home to many species with sightings including muntjac deer, reed warblers, Cetti’s warblers, cuckoos, buzzards, kestrels, red kites, wren and more.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Opening celebrations: visitors enjoying the opening eventOpening celebrations: visitors enjoying the opening event (Image: Chelmer Blackwater Reserve)

A rare weevil was also spotted by a volunteer assisting on a workday before it was identified as a Rhyncites auratus by the author of Birds of Essex, Simon Wood.

Mr Wood has prepared the wildlife management plan for the reserve together with the author of Wildlife of Maldon, John Buchanan.

A spokesman for the Chelmer Blackwater Reserve Community Interest Company said: “With the assistance of grants and gifts from a number of generous donors, new bridges and walkways have been built to facilitate public access while protecting the wildlife.

“The group is encouraging as many people as possible to become involved and the CIC already has over 200 local shareholders.”