Fears That Chiswick Eyot May Become 'An Eroding Wasteland'

Campaign launched to save iconic island on Thames from soil erosion

The iconic Chiswick Eyot under threat from soil erosion, according to the Thames Strategy group.

They have started a fundraising campaign to transform the banks along the Chiswick Eyot, and have appealed to the local community to help them turn it from "an eroding wasteland to a vibrant ecosystem."

A fundraising campaign has been set up on spacehive and a total of £20,000 is needed before the deadline of 23 November - so far over £2,000 has been pledged.

An ait or eyot is a small island - the term is often used to refer to river islands found on the River Thames and its tributaries in England. Aits are typically formed by the deposit of sediment in the water, which accumulates over a period of time.

Thames Strategy say, "We need your help to improve the environment on the Chiswick Eyot. We plan work days, marginal planting, scrub removal, rubbish removal, pollarding the large willows on site and using material generated to prevent erosion on the island by shoring up the banks.

"This is an ongoing problem with the changing tide levels in this area and causes soil to wash away and gradually reduce the size of the island.

"The Willow withies produced on site will prevent this erosion and provide a living wall that blends in with the environment. Re-using materials on site will reduce having to purchase material elsewhere. Mitten crab burrows are contributing to the erosion."

The Thames Strategy Kew to Chelsea group work with community groups, the local Council and other groups such as the Environment agency and the PLA along the River Thames between Kew Bridge and Chelsea Bridge to help deliver landscaping projects like this on the ground.

September 29, 2018