View Island, River island in Reading, England
View Island is a river island in Reading situated near Caversham Lock on the Thames. The grounds feature grassy walking paths, seating areas, and natural spaces throughout its layout.
The site was formerly a derelict boatyard before Reading Borough Council's restoration project transformed it into a public park in 1998. This conversion rescued the grounds from deterioration and opened it to the public.
The island displays wooden sculptures carved with chainsaws throughout its grounds. A gathering space with log seating serves as an open-air classroom where visitors and school groups can spend time together.
Access to the island is through a pedestrian entrance at a footbridge that connects to the Thames Path in Hills Meadow. Visitors can easily reach and explore the grounds from this connection point.
A community-operated hydroelectric power plant opened at the island's upper end in 2021. A dedicated fish passage stream winds alongside it to help river fish navigate past the dam and continue their natural migration.
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