Corporation Island facts for kids
Corporation Island is a small island located on the River Thames in London. It sits between the famous Richmond Bridge and the Richmond Railway Bridge. This island is a key part of the beautiful view from the Richmond waterfront. Its name comes from its past owners, the Corporation of Richmond, which is now known as the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The island has no people living on it and is covered in many trees. It used to be called Richmond Ait.
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What is Corporation Island?
Corporation Island is a peaceful, uninhabited spot in the middle of the River Thames. It's known for its thick woods and natural beauty. The island's name tells us a bit about its history. The "Corporation of Richmond" was like the local government for the area a long time ago. They owned the island, which is how it got its unique name.
The Island's Trees
Today, Corporation Island is covered with many different types of willow trees. You can find white willow, crack willow, and weeping willow there. There are also hybrid black poplar trees. These trees were planted in the 1960s. Before that, the island had large London plane trees, which were cut down by the local council.
How the Island's Shape Changed
Over time, the shape of Corporation Island might have changed a bit. This could be due to changes in how the river's tides flow. These changes happened after the New London Bridge was built in 1829. Also, the construction of the Richmond half-tide lock affected the water flow.
Wildlife and Nearby Islands
Corporation Island is a special home for wildlife. It has a heronry, which is a place where grey heron birds build their nests. In 2016, there were 12 active heron nests on the island. This shows how important the island is for these birds.
The Flowerpot Islands
Just a short distance downstream from Corporation Island, you'll find the Flowerpot Islands. These are the very last islands on the Surrey side of the Thames. They are two small, almost round islands covered in willow trees. Long ago, they were actually one single island. In 1796, the Duke of Queensbury ordered them to be divided into two. Since then, the river's tides have slowly worn them down, making them the tiny islets you see today.
A Famous Visit
In 1969, a very famous photograph was taken on Corporation Island. It showed The Beatles, one of the most famous bands ever, sitting together on the island. It was one of the last pictures taken of the band all together. Today, people are not allowed to visit the island.
