Also known as Isleworth Eyot, the long Isleworth Ait is on the Tideway facing Old Isleworth and the towpath alongside the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club.
Isleworth Ait was once a centre for the production of osier – a willow which used to be harvested on the island to weave baskets to carry fruit and vegetables grown in Middlesex to the markets in London. Much of the island has resulted with the combination of five pre-19th century neighbouring islands, overall covering a broader area and partially reduced by river erosion intensified by passing boat traffic.
The island faces Heron’s Place and a number of commercial buildings.
The islet is covered with densely packed trees, and provides a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife. It is home to more than 57 species of bird life, including the tree-creeper, kingfisher and heron. Two rare species of air-breathing land gastropods also live on the island, the two-lipped door snail Balea biplicata and the Pseudotrichia rubiginosa snail, as well as several rare species of beetles. Visitor access is granted to local volunteers of the London Wildlife Trust.
The River Crane flows into the Thames to the south of the land and the Duke of Northumberland’s River facing the other.
The Metropolitan Water Board bought the ait from the Duke of Northumberland in the 1930s. Thames Water now owns the island.
