A THURROCK fort has been named as one of best places for birdwatching by a charity.

East Tilbury’s Coalhouse Fort topped a birdwatching survey for the most bird species recorded out of more than 100 Essex sites.

The Essex Birdwatching Society gave the fort rangers and conservation volunteers a certificate after residents submitted sightings of 89 bird species during its Big County Birdwatch.

Bird species seen at the historic riverside fort and surrounding area during the four-day birdwatch included dark-bellied Brent Geese.

Last month, Coalhouse Fort welcomed the installation of five information panels and two car park signs.

The project, funded by the Government’s Coastal Revival Fund, and covers 2,000 years of history from the Roman invasion of Britain to World War Two, the role of the fort itself, its fortifications and history.