East Tilbury/Coalhouse Fort TQ 692768
Of most interest to birdwatchers, the area is best in winter
and the section of mudflats exposed at low water near the
fort itself is as good as anywhere for waders and duck.
Some interesting birds of prey turn up and a walk along the
seawall is usually worthwhile. The gravel pits behind the
seawall are an added attraction and recent sightings include
little egret and ruddy shelduck. Migration time often brings
in something interesting, especially sandpipers which are
best viewed from nearby Gobians Farm.
Red-footed falcon - one
recorded at East Tilbury
on 29 July 1973 constitutes
the only record for Thurrock,
and at that date was only
the fourth for Essex and
the first since 1901.