Coalhouse Fort was built between the years 1861 and 1874 partly under the direction of General Gordon (of Khartoum) and was one of a number built to fortify the Thames estuary. It was intended to counter the threat of French seaborne invasion as recommended by a Royal Commission instigated by the Prime Minister of the time, Lord Palmerston.
The Fort stands within a parkland setting and has a number of World War II gunnery posts still in situ. The Park is located immediately adjacent to the River Thames and offers a unique combination of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) saltmarsh and grassland habitat, historic features, parkland, play provision and wildlife, Coalhouse Fort Park is one of Thurrock's most varied and interesting open spaces.
Coalhouse Fort is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year and is open from 7.30 am until dusk all year round. There is a playground on site with amenity grassland offering open views out into the Thames suitable for both play and relaxation. The upper moat is regularly used free-of-charge by visitors for crabbing, and has been used for model yachting on prior arrangement with the Ranger.
During the summer months there is a regular programme of activities primarily held by the Coalhouse Fort Project, a volunteer group based within the Fort. The Fort itself is normally open on the last Sunday of every month between March and November and on Bank Holidays. All of this is promoted through the summer programme of the Coalhouse Fort Project, which is renewed and produced at the start of each year.
The Coalhouse Fort Project maintains their own website, which provides further information on their work, event programme and the Fort itself:
Note that any views and information expressed on this external website do not necessarily reflect those of Thurrock Council.
The Thurrock Museum Service has produced a fact file on Coalhouse Fort which outlines the history of the Fort and Park:
Given how Coalhouse Fort Park's ecological significance is one of its prime assets, there are conservation management regimes in place to maintain and enhance its natural habitats. The Ranger is available to explain any of these further on site.
The ditches can be found in the lower meadow, which is situated to the south of the lower moat.
Several years ago, work was done to re-establish water voles habitats as the ditches dried out on a seasonal basis. Water can now be fed into the ditches from the moat system when necessary to maintain the habitat all year round. This is undertaken by the on site Ranger.
Within the SSSI designation that stretches from Coalhouse Point to Mucking Flats, the area of 16 hectares to the north of the Park known as the Former East Tilbury Silt Lagoons is directly managed by the Ranger.
This area incorporates several different types of grassland that includes rank grassland, lichen heath, calcareous grassland and reed beds. These habitats support many invertebrate and bird species with grassland management being fundamental in supporting those designated as BAP and Red Data Book species.
The lower meadow, which acts as a flood meadow, lies to the south of the lower moat. This area is flooded during the winter period to help maintain a certain level of salinity for saltmarsh plants to flourish in the summer months.
The lower meadow has pathways cut to encourage visitors to avoid areas of saltmarsh plant growth and water vole habitats. The regular cutting of pathways increases the biodiversity of the area by facilitating growth of smaller saline plant species on these short grass areas.
Would you like to be involved in Coalhouse Fort Park?
Coalhouse Fort Park Conservation Volunteers is a group of individuals from all walks of life whose prime aim is in the conservation of Coalhouse Fort Park, with its unique biodiversity and wildlife.
The group currently meets once a month, on a Sunday (arranged by the site Ranger). Most of the work carried out will be practical conservation tasks, such as coppicing, habitat restoration and grasslands management, so physical work is involved as well as a chat and a cup of tea. Sturdy boots and suitable clothing are a must.
If you wish to get involved, please contact Ray Reeves (Coalhouse Fort Park Ranger) by telephone or email - details below - or drop in to the information centre at Coalhouse Fort Park for a chat.
Guided walks are available upon request. Please speak to the Ranger on site. Alternatively, he can be contacted using the details below.
Coalhouse Fort Park was awarded the Green Flag Award in 2010 and 2011. The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces across England and Wales.
For more information, visit the Green Flag Award Scheme.
For more information on Coalhouse Fort Park please contact:
The Ranger works 10 days on and 4 days off (alternate weekends off).
He is supported by a part time heritage warden, Basil Silver, on alternate weekends.
Alternatively, contact:
