Isleworth Ait
Isleworth Ait, Hounslow
An unspoilt nine-acre island in the Thames, located off Old Isleworth at the mouth of the River Crane
Rows of ancient stakes have been found at the southern end of Isleworth Ait. These were at first interpreted as some kind of fortification but they were more probably the remnants of tidal fish traps, which have also been exposed on the nearby mainland foreshore.
A Roman legion is said to have waded westward across the Thames via the ait in 54bc – and then headed north to carry on conquering. However, the Romans are said to have done a lot of idiosyncratic things in the London area at this time, often (as in this case) with very limited supporting evidence.
In the 17th century there were four aits here but their dividing channels have since silted up. Osiers were cultivated for their flexible twigs, as they were on several Thames aits.
This was formerly part of the Syon Park estate of the dukes of Northumberland, who permitted a rudimentary swimming pool to be built here for the use of local children in the mid-19th century, but nothing of this remains.
Isleworth Ait is now a nature reserve managed by the London Wildlife Trust’s Hounslow group on behalf of owners Thames Water. Beneath the high canopy of mature sycamores, poplars and willows there are hawthorns, hollies and elders, summer snowflakes and marsh marigolds. The island’s fauna range from tree-creepers, kingfishers and herons to bats, butterflies and some rare snails (specifically the Thames door snail and German hairy snail). In order to preserve the habitat, public access is discouraged – but the trust occasionally organises supervised visits.
Human activity is permitted at the water’s edge – despite the objections of some residents opposite – in the form of a floating boatyard and dry dock. The dimly sunlit yard is visible in the centre of the photograph above.*