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Crane Park island Nature Reserve was once part of the old Hounslow Gunpowder Mills. The mills operated on the site between 1766 and 1926. It was a highly dangerous place to work and there were no less than 5 explosions, many fatal during its operation. The large mounds that can still be seen throughout Crane Park were built by the mills to help absorb the impact of the explosions. The area that is now Crane Park Island Nature Reserve once contained a large millpond, used to drive mill machinery.

An old engraving from the Illustrated London News shows the Hounslow Gunpowder Mills after an explosion - notice the Shot Tower in the background.

The Shot Tower, that stands at the entrance to the nature reserve was built in 1826, by a Mr Jacobs of Hanworth and was used for the manufacture of lead shot. At that time there were no floors in the tower. Molten lead was poured, from canisters, through a copper sieve from the top of the tower. As the lead droplets plummeted to the bottom of the tower they formed balls which then fell to a large tank of water at ground level. When the lead shot had cooled it was collected and graded and used in weapons.

When the mills closed down in 1926, following World War 1, the nearby Woodlawn housing estate was built. The gunpowder mills site became part of Crane Park and the former millpond was drained to create what is now the nature reserve. It was after this that the slow return to nature began and a new haven for wildlife was born.

London Wildlife Trust took on management of the reserve in 1983 and has continued to manage it for nature conservation and public access since.

There is a fantastic diversity of wildlife on the reserve that visitors may be lucky enough to see;
The nationally rare water vole makes its nest in burrows in the river bank.

The nationally rare water vole makes its home on Crane Park Island. You are lucky if you see one these shy little creatures but look out for their holes along the river bank.

Reed warblers, use the reed bed in the middle of the island for nesting.
Marsh, common and edible frogs also enjoy the shelter of the reedbed.
Damsel and dragon flies can be seen in abundance in the summer.
Over 2o species of butterfly can be found from Spring through to late summer.
Kingfishers and herons feast on the wide variety of fish in the river that include: Perch, roach, chub, barbel, eel, stickleback, gudgeon, stoneloach and minnow.
Tawny owl and barn owl can be heard in the woodland.
A myriad of wildflowers from the majestic flag iris that can found along the river bank to the tiny white flowers of Enchanters nightshade in the woodland.
Whatever time of year you visit there is always something fascinating to see.

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.