Isleworth Ait (island) is one of the many Thames Islands and one of the London Wildlife Trust's most remarkable reserves.

It is rarely visited by the public.

This 3.5 acre teardrop shaped island is unusual for its canopy of mixed woodland of mainly poplar and willow.

It is a natural haven for the Osier - a willow that was once traditionally harvested from the island for basket making in London.

The Ait is 30 miles from the mouth of the Thames yet is still tidal.

Despite regularly flooding, it provides a peaceful sanctuary for a variety of birds including the tree-creeper, kingfisher and heron.

Watch where you are walking too - you just may come across several rare beetles and two rare species of mollusk, the two-lipped door snail and the German hairy snail.

The London Wildlife Trust does not encourage visitors in order to preserve the wildlife integrity.

But you can get excellent views of the island from Isleworth waterfront and the local pubs.