Brentford Ait facts for kids
Brentford Ait is a long, uninhabited island in the River Thames, located near Brentford in London, England. It's a peaceful spot with no buildings, covered mostly by trees. An "ait" (pronounced "eight") is another name for a small island in a river.
What is Brentford Ait?
This island is managed by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the Port of London Authority. Brentford Ait is actually made up of two parts, an "upper" and "lower" section, separated by a gap called Hog Hole. This gap becomes visible when the tide is low.
Past Names and History
In the past, Brentford Ait was known by other names like Makenshaw, Mattenshaw, or Twigg Ait.
Many years ago, in the 1700s, people actually lived on the island! There was even a famous pub there called the Swan or Three Swans. However, the pub closed down in 1796. On the riverbank near Brentford, you can still find the Swan Steps. These steps lead down to the river where people used to cross over to the pub.
Nature and Wildlife
In the 1920s, trees were planted on Brentford Ait. This was done to hide the nearby gasworks from the beautiful Kew Gardens, which is across the river.
Today, the island is covered with willow and alder trees. It has become a special place for birds, acting as a bird sanctuary. Many herons make their homes here, creating a large "heronry" where they nest and raise their young.
Nearby Islands
The London Borough of Hounslow manages a nearby island called Lot's Ait. It is separated from Brentford Ait by mud when the tide is low.
