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Chiswick Eyot

Look out across to Chiswick Eyot, home to Osier Beds, where small willows were grown and their shoots (withies) cut each year to be made into baskets for use in carrying produce from the local market gardens. The island is now a nature reserve, flooded at each high tide. Although it is accessible at low tide the preservation society asks people to go across only during one of the work days arranged to take care of this fragile and unique island.

Ways That You Can Volunteer

The Old Chiswick Protection Society is looking for volunteers to help with conservation work on Chiswick Eyot.

The eyot (or ait) is one of about 180 of these tiny narrow islands in the River Thames, formed over time by the accumulation of sediment, which have become home to many different kinds of wildlife. Chiswick Eyot is a nature reserve and ancient withy bed where swans have nested and willow trees have grown for centuries.

Traditionally, up until the 18th century, the willows were cut to make baskets for the Chiswick cheese fairs in next door Dukes Meadow, and also to take produce from Chiswick’s market gardens into London. Now, they serve a different purpose: defending against invasion.

Corporate Volunteering

Specialist Volunteering Requirements

Please contact The Old Chiswick Society for volunteering opportunities – oldchiswick@googlemail.com
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Volunteer, Place to Visit, Hounslow

Chiswick Eyot, London W4 2QH, UK

website address

https://www.oldchiswickprotectionsociety.co.uk

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