The Crane Park Island Nature Reserve, is a peaceful haven and home for wildlife, situated on the River Crane in Twickenham. Once part of the old Hounslow Gunpowder Mills the island is now a rich mosaic of woodland, scrub, meadow, reedbed and river bank. These habitats are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, from darting dragonflies to secretive foxes, stately herons to noisy marsh frogs. Even the rare water vole makes its homes in the earth banks of the river and reedbed.
The reserve is open all year round and has a well laid wheelchair path. Schools and educational visits are welcomed and the project organises a wide variety of events throughout the year for people of all ages.

Work is currently in progress to turn the imposing old Shot Tower, a grade 11 listed building which stands at the entrance to the island into a nature and visitor centre.

A view of the nature reserve.

About London Wildlife Trust.
Crane Park Island is just one of the 60 nature reserves looked after by London Wildlife Trust all of which provide valuable habitats for wildlife as well as tranquil havens for people to visit: The Trust also protects wild spaces from the threats that face London's natural heritage. Promotes environmental education and gives many London children their first contact with wildlife. Encourages Londoners to take up wildlife gardening to green even the smallest window box. Campaigns for better species protection such as black redstart and stag beetle. For further details about the Trust visit their web site at;
www.@wildlondon.org.uk

The lovely kingfisher is a frequent visitor to Crane Park Island.

Map of Crane Park Island Nature Reserve. Principal habitats are marked. Heavy arrows denote main wheelchair friendly path, minor paths are denoted by a broken line. Visitors should please stay on the paths at all times.

© Crane Park Island project 2003
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