| View Island | |
|---|---|
 Pond on View Island | |
  Location within Reading | |
| Type | Public |
| Location | Reading, Berkshire, UK |
| Coordinates | 51°27′43″N 0°57′47″W / 51.462°N 0.963°W |
View Island is a small island near Caversham Lock, on the River Thames at Reading, Berkshire in England.[1]
View Island forms part of a series of riverside open spaces, managed by Reading Borough Council, that stretch along one or other side of the River Thames throughout its passage through Reading. From west to east these are Thameside Promenade, Caversham Court, Christchurch Meadows, Hills Meadow, View Island and King's Meadow.[2]
The island was a derelict boatyard when Reading Borough Council took it over in 1998 and restored it.[1] It is a quiet, relaxing island with grassy paths and seating. It is set out as a small park containing several wooden chain-saw carved sculptures, although all but one having rotted away. It connects to Caversham via Heron Island, which has private riverside housing and is connected by road to Lower Caversham.[3][4]
A body was found on View Island in February 2011.[5]
In 2021, the new Reading Hydro community owned hydro-electric power plant opened at the upstream end of the island. At the same time a new and more natural fish pass stream was constructed, snaking through View Island.[6]
- ^ a b Local Photos — View Island Archived 24 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Caversham.org.uk Archived 13 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ "Parks, Outdoor Facilities & Open Spaces". Reading Borough Council. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ Lever, Edward (3 February 2011). "Heron Island, Caversham". www.picturesofengland.com. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
- ^ "Heron Island Caversham Reading RG4". www.houseprices.co.uk. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
- ^ "Death of man found on Reading footpath 'suspicious'". BBC News. BBC Berkshire, UK. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
- ^ "Discover our hydro-electric plant". Reading Hydro CBS. Retrieved 14 February 2022.