Fort Road Common

Downs, Moorland in Essex

England

Fort Road Common

Tilbury Fort, Tilbury Riverside, Essex Built during the Napoleonic War to protect London from invasion. Now run by English Heritage. — Tilbury Fort, Tilbury Riverside, Essex Credit: John Winfield

Fort Road Common is a picturesque natural reserve located in Essex, England. Covering a vast area of downs and moorland, the common offers a diverse and beautiful landscape that attracts visitors from near and far.

Spanning over 100 acres, Fort Road Common is known for its rolling hills, open grasslands, and heathland. The common is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Visitors can expect to see an array of wildflowers, including orchids, heathers, and gorse, which paint the common in vibrant colors during the spring and summer months.

The diverse habitat of Fort Road Common provides a sanctuary for various bird species, including skylarks, stonechats, and kestrels. In addition, the common is also home to a number of small mammals, such as rabbits and voles, as well as reptiles like adders and common lizards.

The common offers several walking trails and footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These pathways lead visitors through the different habitats, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Fort Road Common is an important conservation area, managed by the local authorities to protect its unique natural features. It also serves as a recreational space for the local community, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as picnicking, dog walking, and birdwatching. This serene and tranquil common offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a cherished gem in the heart of Essex.

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Fort Road Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.470775/0.38249368 or Grid Reference TQ6577. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tilbury Fort, Tilbury Riverside, Essex

Built during the Napoleonic War to protect London from invasion. Now run by English Heritage.

John Winfield

Gun emplacements, Tilbury Fort, Essex

John Winfield

The Gatehouse, Tilbury Fort, Essex

John Winfield

Tilbury Civic Square and War Memorial

The buildings to the left are Thurrock Council offices. The square also boasts the fire station police station and a sports centre. The war memorial inscription reads "May Justice Mercy & Peace Prevail Amongst Nations". I will second that, there is nothing glorious about being dead in my opinion.

Glyn Baker

St Mary 's Chadwell St Mary

St Mary's stands on a hill with commanding views across the countryside towards Tilbury.

Glyn Baker

Bend on A126 Tilbury

Junction of A126 from Chadwell to Tilbury and a minor road onto an estate of 1930’s council houses (many private these days). Examples of these can be seen in the background.

Glyn Baker

Brennan Rd Tilbury

A cattle grid is not the first road feature that springs to mind when one thinks of Tilbury! However this end of Brennan Rd Tilbury is protected from bovine invasion. The junction is with Fort Rd. The concrete structure on the right is a sluice gate.

Glyn Baker

Junction in the Marshes

This is the junction of Fort Rd, Gun Hill and Coopers Shaw in West Tilbury Marshes. The church on the Hill in the background is St James Low Street. It is now redundant as a church, planning permission has been sought to convert it into a dwelling.

Glyn Baker

High House Farm

This is High House a farm between Chadwell St Mary & Lindford. The towers TQ6479 : “Three So Wild in Their Attire” are in Chadwell.

Glyn Baker

Rain Not Required!

This irrigation equipment is on Mill House Farm West Tilbury

Glyn Baker

Driveway to Becksland

This is the driveway to Becksland a farm near Linford

Glyn Baker

West Tilbury Village Green

This is the village green at West Tilbury. The GR is for the King's Head pub sign.

Glyn Baker

The Price of Power?

At this point Tilbury Marshes appear to be vanishing under furnace ash from TQ6675 : Tilbury Power Station, Tilbury, Essex

Glyn Baker

Piles of Pylons

These pylons distribute the power from TQ6675 : Tilbury Power Station, Tilbury, Essex. The photo was taken from TQ6676 : Manor Way

Glyn Baker

Manor Way

This is the Manor Way in West Tilbury Marshes, it is a farm track that runs from Walnut Tree Farm TQ667776 to the photographer position. Although used by walkers it does not appear to be a right of way.

Glyn Baker

Tilbury power station

This picture was taken on a footpath which runs around Tilbury Fort. A ship can be seen offloading fuel for the power station, which traditionally burns coal, but is now also experimenting with biomass fuels.

Hywel Williams