I am a plotholder at Shiplake Lock Island and I am writing on behalf of the campsite community. You may have noticed that the tents are not up this year.  As a result, the Island is unsightly, almost derelict as it is now overgrown and neglected and a target for waste and antisocial behaviour. The Environment Agency have let us know they they have closed the camping site as they are reviewing health and safety legislation, and “all other legal responsibilities at the site". As a community, we are trying to work with the EA to find solutions to the issues they raise although we are unclear of their intentions and don’t know when /if we are able to return.

 

If you would like to see the preservation of the campsite on the Island, the Plotholders would be so grateful if you would consider writing directly to the EA highlighting your concerns that there is a high danger not only of vandalism due to the plotholders not being there, but this 100 year old campsite is in danger of being lost if the site is permanently closed. The camp is low maintenance, has light environmental impact, and serves to protect nature and support natural resources.

The camping families from the Island have a shared love for the village, the river, the natural environment, open water swimming and boating, particularly in unpowered traditional Thames craft. The Islanders keep alive the art of traditional boat skills, such as punting and skiffing, passed down through generations, as well as restore and maintain historically significant boats.  And it is unlikely that Islanders will be able to compete in this year's Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta where we make up a large percentage of the entrants.

 

You can write to them at estatessw-thames@environment-agency.gov.uk

 

Thank you so much!